[137] Lilies. The white lilies here mentioned are probably Lilium connalium (lilies of the valley). In an old book of recipes I find them mentioned as an antidote to poison. (Haus und Land Bib. 1700.) They have medicinal qualities, purgative and diuretic in effect. Dried and powdered they become a sternutatory.
[138] In the Shirley MS. there is added: "the hound tongue beareth medicine and especially to himself." G. de F. has the same (p. 97).
[139] Wither or dry up.
[140] Inflammation of the stifle joint.
[141] Seton. G. de F. (p. 98) says: "une ortie et un sedel de corde." His word sedel came from the Spanish sedal. The English "seton" comes from seta, a hair, because hair was originally employed as the inserted material.
[142] Testicles.
[143] The following words, which are in Shirley MS. and in G. de F., are left out: "some tyme for they more foundeth as an hors."
[144] The Shirley MS. has the following ending to this chapter: "And God forbid that for (a) little labour or cost of this medicine, man should see his good kind hound perish, that before hath made him so many comfortable disports at divers times in hunting," which is not taken from G. de F.