The history of origins, by a literary antiquary

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1824 - 120 pages
 

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Page 113 - of the realm, a practice which seems to have been universal among the northern nations, particularly the Germans, and carried by them into all the countries of Europe, which they overrun at the dissolution of the Roman Empire. Relics of this constitution, under various modifications and changes, are still to be met with
Page 114 - of the heptarchy. After their union, king Alfred ordained for a perpetual usage, that these councils should meet twice in the year, or oftener if need be, to treat of the government of God's people, how they should keep themselves from sin; should live in quiet and
Page 186 - lake! A vine extended its roots from the surface down to their habitation, and gave them a view of the light. Some of the most adventurous climed up the vine, and were delighted with the sight of the earth,
Page 8 - The Chinese," says he, " have an herb, out of which they press a delicate juice, which serves them for drink instead of wine; it also preserves their health, and frees them from all those evils which the immoderate use of wine produces.
Page 117 - our industrious and frugal forefathers, it was a maxim that a young woman should never be married until she had spun herself a set of body, table and bed linen. From this custom, all unmarried women were termed spinsters, an appellation they still retain in all law proceedings.
Page 179 - the left side; her long flaxen hair was divided into many ringlets, and flowed upon her shoulders; the top part of her head was covered with a net-work cawl of gold, upon which was placed a garland of silver, ornamented with blue violets. She was supported by two bride-maidens, in sky-coloured
Page 186 - nation of the Mandans, who dwell upon the banks of the river Missouri, have a peculiar tradition concerning their origin. They say that the whole nation resided in one large village under ground, near a subterraneous lake! A vine extended its roots from the surface down to
Page 192 - but were occasionally to arrest traitors and other offenders about the court, for which the mace was deemed a sufficient authority. Their number was originally twenty-four. All persons of approved worth, not under the degree of the son of a knight, were eligible; though afterwards sons of gentlemen were admitted. They
Page 59 - ancient warriors was magnified into a matter of great importance, he instituted the order of the garter in memorial of this event, and gave these words as the motto of the order. This origin, though frivolous, is not unsuitable to the manners of the times, and

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