In the "tractat v[=a] S. F. orden e[=n] reghele," at fol. cccxxix., we have an account of Brother Agnellus of Pisa his mission to England in 1224.
In the "Getal der broeder[=e] e[=n] prouintien," at fol. cccci., we learn that at that time (1518) England had 7 convents and 200 friars; Ireland 15 convents and 400 friars; and Scotland 8 convents and 120 friars.
The "Kalendier" which follows this "Getal" is printed in red and black.
"Den aflaet v[=a] rom[=e]" is the last tract in the book. Here is the finis:
"¶ Hier eyndt bÿ de gratie gods dat derde boec v[=a] desen wÿngaert die mit groten arbeyt wt veel duct[=e]telÿcke scrift[=e] wten latÿne vergadert e[=n] nu eerst translateert is, ter eer[=e] des heylighe confessors Sinte Franciscus e[=n] ten profÿte v[=a] allen gueden kenten menschen.
After the "tafel" or index occur some verses containing seventy-three lines, eulogistic of the saint.
I forgot to mention that in the _Oude Legende_ some of St. Francis's poems are given, translated from the Italian originals: at fol. cxxii. is given the "Canticum solis," part of which Sir James Stephen quotes in his sketch of the saint's life.
I have Query to make, but must defer it to another time, as I have already taken up enough of your paper.
An extraordinary mode of swearing, akin to the oaths already noticed, is recorded by Ysbrant Ides in his _Travels from Moscow to China_ (London, 1705, and reprinted in the second volume of Harris's Collection):--
"Two Tunguzian hostages falling out, one accused the other before the Waywode (or Viceroy) of having conjured his deceased brother to death. The Waywode asked the accuser if he would, according to the Tunguzian custom, put the accused to his oath? To this he answered in the affirmative; after which the accused took a _live dog_, laid him on the ground, and with a knife stuck him into the body, just under his left foot, and immediately clapped his mouth to the wound, and sucked out the dog's blood as long as he could come at it; after which he lift him up, laid him on his shoulders, and clapped his mouth again to the wound in order to suck out the remaining blood. An excellent drink indeed! And this is the greatest oath and most solemn confirmation of the Truth amongst them; so that on credit of this the accused was set free, and the accuser punished for his false accusation."