Page:White - The natural history of Selborne, and the naturalist's calendar, 1879.djvu/376

354 that our said priory might not by means of this vacancy incur harm or loss, unanimously agreed on August the last for the day of election; on which day, having first celebrated mass, “De sancto spiritu,” at the high altar, and having called a chapter by tolling a bell about ten o’ the clock, we, William Wyndesor, president, Peter Berne, Thomas London, and William Stratfeld, canons, who alone had voices, being the only canons, about ten o’ the clock, first sung “Veni Creator,” the letters and license being read in the presence of many persons there. Then William Wyndesor, in his own name, and that of all the canons, made solemn proclamation, enjoining all who had no right to vote to depart out of the chapter-house. When all were withdrawn except Guyllery de Lacuna, in decretis Baccalarius, and Robert Peverell, notary public, and also the two chaplains, the first was requested to stay, that he might direct and inform us in the mode of election; the other, that he might record and attest the transactions; and the two last that they might be witness to them.

Then, having read the constitution of the general council “Quia propter,” and the forms of elections contained in it being sufficiently explained to them by De Lacuna, as well in Latin as the vulgar tongue, and having deliberated in what mode to proceed in this election, they resolved on that of scrutiny. Three of the canons, Wyndesor, Berne, and London, were made scrutators; Berne, London, and Stratfeld, choosing Wyndesor; Wyndesor, London, and Stratfeld, choosing Berne; Wyndesor, Berne, and Stratfeld, choosing London.

They were empowered to take each other’s vote, and then that of Stratfeld; “et ad inferiorem partem angularem” of the chapter-house, “juxta ostium ejusdem declinentes,” with the other persons (except Stratfeld, who stayed behind), proceeded to voting, two swearing, and taking the voice of the third, in succession, privately. Wyndesor voted first; “Ego credo Petrum Berne meliorem et utiliorem ad regimen istius ecclesie, et in ipsum consentio, ac eum nomino,” etc. Berne was next sworn, and in like manner nominated Wyndesor; London nominated Berne; Stratfeld was then called and sworn, and nominated Berne.

“Quibus in scriptis redactis,” by the notary public, they returned