The see of Rome is indebted to Edward the Confessor for a grant to the pope of what was then called Rome-scot, but is now better known by the name of “Peterpenny.” The recollection of this tribute is maintained by the common saying “no penny, no paternoster;” of which there is mention in the following poem from the “Hesperides:”—
Fresh strewings allow
To my sepulcher now,
To make my lodging the sweeter;
A staffe or a wand
Put then in my hand,
With a penny to pay S. Peter.
Who has not a crosse,
Must sit with the losse,
And no whit further must venture;
Since the porter he
Will paid have his fee,
Or els not one there must enter.
Who at a dead lift,
Can’t send for a gift,
A pig to the priest for a roster
Shall heare his clarke say,
By yea and by nay,
No penny no pater noster.
Herrick.
NATURALISTS’ CALENDAR.
Mean Temperature 50·62.
[383] See vol. 1. 1376.