Page:The History of Ink.djvu/50

44. The original words are TETERRIMUS ET EX HAC VEL, and are written in two columns, on the page, while the later writing runs completely across the page.

Of the earliest writing executed in France, after that country received its name from those who conquered it, we give a specimen from the beginning of a charter of King Dagobert I, executed A. D. 628. The words are—QUOTIESCUMQUE PETITIONIBUS"—"However many times to petitions," &c. It is a confirmation of a partition of property between two heirs. The monogrammatic autograph of the Great Karl, (in modern times called Charlemagne,) we present also as an object of interest. A.D. 800.

The oldest specimen of writing in Great Britain which has been preserved to the nineteenth century, was a book believed to be not later than the year 600 of the Christian era. Astle has preserved an engraved specimen of it; but the priceless original has since been destroyed by fire in the British Museum. It was said to be a book of Augustin. A specimen still in existence, dates between the years 664 and 670. It is a charter of Sebbi, King of the East Saxons, and is easily read:—"I, Sebbi, King," &c. We subjoin a few words from the commencement of a charter