the beaks or points of their shoes so long, that they encumbered
themselves in their walking, and were forced to tie them up to their
knees; the _fine gentlemen_ fastened theirs with chains of silver,
or silver gilt, and others with laces. This ridiculous custom was in
vogue from the year 1382; but was prohibited, on the forfeiture of
20_s._ and the pain of cursing by the clergy, 1467.

In the reign of King Henry IV., Camden says--Pride was got so much into
the foot, that it was proclaimed that no man should wear shoes above
_six inches broad at the toes_; and other garments were so short,
that it was enacted, under Edward IV., that no person under the
condition of a lord wear any mantle or gown, unless of such length.

P.T.W.

* * * * *


MARRIAGE CUSTOM.

The following singular, though highly _useful_ custom, formerly
existed in England: viz.--"There was usually carried before the mayde,
when she shoulde be married, and came to dwell in hir husbande's house,
_a distaffe, charged with flaxe, and a spyndle hanging at it_, to the
intente shee might bee myndeful to lyve by hir labour." The foregoing
is extracted from "A Treatise wherein dicing dauncing, vaine plays, or
enterludes; with other idle pastimes, commonly used on the Sabbath-day,
are proved by the authoritie of the word of God, and ancient writers;
by John Northbrook, minister and preacher of the word of God."