Levantine, in the Levant, or eastern part of the Mediterranean.

Guinea, on the west coast of Africa.

Pizarro: a Spanish adventurer who conquered Peru from its native rulers or Incas, and was murdered in his palace at Lima in 1541.

a piece of eight (dollars), that is, about 30s.

assessment: the value put upon house or property in order to fix the amount of taxes to be paid.


[31. WHITTINGTON. PART II.]

Vintner: a wine-seller.

Wycliffe, born about 1324, was a learned theologian and rector of Lutterworth, in Leicestershire. For preaching Protestant doctrines he was summoned to appear at St. Paul's to answer a charge of heresy in 1377.

John of Gaunt thus made the second attempt to deprive London of its liberties and charter; Matilda, the opponent of Stephen, had tried long before, but it ended in her overthrow (see p. [45]).