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NOTES TO THE ENGLISH SLAVE.
103
him on horseback, as Theodoret affirms. This is the first instance
of Apostolic chivalry, if we except the martial apparition
of Constantine, which was afterwards so common in the
Crusades." Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.
" In the celebrated battle of Ethandune, Alfred the Great,
seeing a standard-bearer leading on one of his divisions with
great bravery, pointed him out to his warriors as St. Neot
himself at their head. This belief increased their enthusiasm."
Anglo-Saxons, v. ii.
These celestial warriors are only copies from the heathen,
sufficient examples of which may be found in the machinery
of Homer and Virgil. When Aquileia was besieged by the
ferocious barbarian, Maximin, the inhabitants believed that
Belenus, their tutelar deity, fought in person for their defence.
(26)
What witchcraft's this ?
I have no spell
to call thee from the tomb. . .
p. 43.
" Scinlaeca was a species of phantom, or apparition, and was
also used as the name of the person who had the power of
producing such things : it is, literally, a shining dead body.
Galdor-craeftig implies one skilled in incantations and
-,
Northwyrtha is,, literally, a worshipper of the dead." Hist.
Anglo-Saxons,
2
( 7)
v. iii.
To-morrow, when thou hear'st
St. Price's heavy death-knell, let him die. . . p. 49.
Numerous passages in the Saxon chronicles and laws lead
us to believe, that the Saxon Earls, after the union of the
Octarchy, enjoyed a power approaching to sovereignty, derived
from the station which their kingly predecessors held.
This seems apparent from the regal diadem on the seal of
Alfric, Duke of Mercia, which has been lately found near
Winchester.
"
They obtained the power of supreme jurisdiction, both
civil and criminal, within their own territories the j right of
coining money, together with the privilege of carrying on war
against their private enemies in their own name, and by their
own authority. Such was the state of Europe from the seventh
to the eleventh century." Robertsons Life of Charles V., v. 1.
The lord of Spitchwich within the forest of Dartmoor, and
the Abbot of Buckfastleigh, had to a late period the power of
inflicting capital punishment on their vassals.
28
( ) others tossing knives and balls in the air. . .
p. 50.
It may surprise many to find the feats of Indian jugglers