It would therefore appear that in Fleta's time it was settled law that deodands went to the Crown; nor does this writer seem to take any notice of their having been, at any time, payable to the Church. Hawkins, East, and I think Hale also, are equally silent upon the point.
Can any of your readers kindly supply the information as to when deodands first ceased to be given to the Church, and when they became the property of the Crown?
JONATHAN PEEL.
Minor Queries.
349. Hell Paved with the Skulls of Priests.
—The proverb "Hell is paved with good intentions" (Vol. ii. pp. 86. 140.), brings to my recollection a remark I once heard from the lips of a French priest. He was addressing an audience chiefly composed of students in divinity, and while descanting on the peculiar dangers to which ecclesiastics are exposed, and the obstacles they have to encounter at every step on the road to salvation, he said there could be no doubt that by far the greater number of them would incur eternal damnation. "It was this" (added he, with an emphasis which sent thrill of horror through all present), "It was this that made one of the early fathers assert, that Hell is paved with the skulls of priests." I think the preacher mentioned Tertullian as his authority for this singular sentiment, but he only gave the words: "L'enfer est pavé de têtes de prêtres." Can any of your readers point out the precise passage referred to?
HENRY H. BREEN.
St. Lucia.
350. Charib.
—Can any of your correspondents inform me what is the derivation and meaning of the word Charib? The Charibs were the ancient inhabitants, as is well known, of the smaller West Indian islands.