[281] [Old copies, their smocks]
[282] [Old copies, Our.]
[283] [Old copies, be no.]
[284] [Old copies, all.]
[285] The older copies made this speech part of what was said by Harry Clare, and the edition of 1655 first introduced the correction.—Collier.
[286] "The little bell which is rung to give notice of the Host approaching, when it is carried in procession, as also in other offices of the Romish Church, is called the sacring or consecration bell, from the French word sacrer,"—Mr Theobald's note to "Henry VIII.," act iii. sc. 2.
[287] [Former eds., tell.]
[288] This Popish ceremony is particularly described in an ancient book of the "Ceremonial of the Kings of England," purchased by the Duchess of Northumberland, at the sale of the MSS. of Mr Anstis, Garter King-at-arms. It appears from this curious treatise that the Bishop and the Dean brought a crucifix out of the vestry, and placed it on a cushion before the altar. A carpet was then laid "for the Kinge to creepe to the crosse upon." See Dr Percy's note to the "Northumberland Household Book," p. 436.—Steevens.
Creeping to the Cross is mentioned in Warner's "Albion's England," 1602, p. 115—
"We offer tapers, pay our tythes and vowes; we pilgrims goe
To every sainct, at every shrine we offerings doe bestow;
We kiss the pix, we creepe the crosse, oar beades we over-runne,
The convent hath a legacie, who so is left undone."