Page:The religious life of King Henry VI.djvu/89

Rh was ever most innocent: and this was allowed even by his enemies and is attested by miracles.

"Henry in the course of his life passed many laws in favour of religion. Amongst others he decreed that no markets or fairs were to be held on Sundays, or on the great feasts of our Lord and the Saints, or on Good Friday. On such days he ordered his people to abstain from all work and especially to guard against perpetrating frauds, committing perjury, or uttering falsehoods, etc."

In a later section of his Historia Harpesfield speaks at length as to the well-known miracles which attested the sanctity of this holy King. He heads this chapter with the words: "Regarding the Miracles of King Henry VI after his death; of their frequent occurrence and of their no less certainty and truth." He begins by referring again to the King's life, which was full of troubles and difficulties; but which he bore so patiently to the great increase of his eternal glory. That Henry was placed in a high place in heaven is, in the author's opinion, proved by the miracles, which were worked by him and through his intercession after his death." Apart from the