ry others. To which is added a Glossary,
explaining the difficult {453} Words contained in this Book, and that
of Wallace. Glasgow: printed by Mr. A. Carmichael and A. Miller.
MDCCXXXVII."

JAMES P. BRYCE.

[This work is by John Barbour (sometimes written Barber, Barbere, and
Barbare), an eminent Scottish metrical historian. It has been said that
he received his education at the Abbey of Aberbrothock, where he took
orders, and obtained a living near Aberdeen. Dr. Henry supposes Barbour
to have become Archdeacon of Aberdeen in 1356. It is probable he died
towards the close of 1395. His poem has passed through several
editions, and is considered of high historical value. The earlier
editions are those of Edinburgh, 1616, 1670, 12mo. In 1790, Pinkerton
published "the first genuine edition from a MS. dated 1489, with notes
and a Glossary." The best edition, however, is that by Dr. Jamieson,
with Notes, and Life of the Author, Edinb. 4to. 1820.]

_Coronation Custom._--At the coronations of Henry IV. and Richard III. a
ceremony was performed which seems to indicate some idea of the elective
sovereignty in England. The archbishop stood at each of the four corners of
the dais in succession, and asked from thence the consent of the assembled
Commons (Heylin, _Reform._, 1st edit., p. 32.). Did this ever take place at
the coronation of English monarchs whose succession was not disputed?

J. H. B.

[In after times this ceremony seems to be that called "The
Recognition." Sandford, speaking of the coronation of James II., says,
"The Archbishop of Canterbury standing near the king, on the east side
of the theatre, his majesty, attended as before, rose out of his chair,
and stood before it, whilst the archbishop, having his face to the
east, said as follows: 'Sirs. I here present unto you King James, the
rightful inheritor of the crown of this realm; wherefore all ye that
are come this day to do your homage, service, and bounden duty, are ye
willing to do the same?' From thence the said archbishop, accompanied
with the lord keeper, the lord great chamberlain, the lord high
constable, and the earl marshal (garter king of arms going before
them), proceeded to the south side of the theatre, and repeated the
same words; and from thence to the west, and lastly to the north side
of the theatre, in like manner: the king standing