There is no trace of the additional lines of A, ll. 4867–4875, to be found in H, lf. 86 bk., nor in F, 5094.
Among the relics spoken of in A, there is nowhere a mention made of the signe. In H we find the signe always mentioned [‹liv›] together with the crown and the nails, just as in F. In the passage quoted above from H, lf. 100, and in the line which corresponds to F 6094, we find ensigne instead of signe; but ensigne certainly must be looked upon as a clerical blunder. In the other passages in which we find “the winding sheet, or shroud, of the Lord” mentioned in H it is also called signe:—
“Et rendrai la corone et le signe honore.”
H, lf. 42 = F, 1498; and H, lf. 45, bk. = F, 1805.
“Et les saintismes clowes et le signe honores.”
H, lf. 57 = F, 2829.
That the signe cannot be the “inscription of the cross” (cf. Introduction, p. xxx) is proved by an additional line of the Hanover MS., in which the Archbishop is said to have covered the heads of the French with the signe:—
“Puys a trait l’ensigne qui bien estoit ovres
Engenolant l’ad ly Rois tote oue lermes baises,
Plus flairoit ducement que basine enbasines.
Quant Franceis l’ont veu, ele vous effraes,
De pite et de ioy fu chescous enplores.