advice of prudent men, we have prescribed the manner in which we
desire that the communication and use of our books should be
permitted for the benefit of students.

Imprimis, we give and grant all and singular the books, of which
we have made a special catalogue, in consideration of affection,
to the community of scholars living in ---- Hall at Oxford, as a
perpetual gift, for our soul and the souls of our parents, and
also for the soul of the most illustrious King Edward the Third
from the Conquest, and of the most pious Queen Philippa, his
consort: to the intent that the same books may be lent from time
to time to all and singular the scholars and masters of the said
place, as well regular as secular, for the advancement and use of
study, in the manner immediately following, that is to say:

Five of the scholars sojourning in the Hall aforesaid shall be
appointed by the Master thereof, who shall have the charge of all
the books, of which five persons three and not fewer may lend any
book or books for inspection and study; but for copying or
transcribing we direct that no book shall be allowed outside the
walls of the house. Therefore, when any scholar secular or
religious, whom for this purpose we regard with equal favour,
shall seek to borrow any book, let the keepers diligently
consider if they have a duplicate of the said book, and if so,
let them lend him the book, taking such pledge as in their
judgment exceeds the value of the book delivered, and let a
record be made forthwith of the pledge and of the book lent,
containing the names of the persons delivering the book and of
the person who receives it, together with the day and year when
the loan is made.