notre fisc , our treasury. See note on p

Page 8.

1. 2. Vanneau et par le denier . The denier (denarius) was a symbol of the bride-price, as was the sou (solidus) which often accompanied it, and was given to the bride by the bridegroom as part of the marriage ceremony. Bai barian marriage customs generally point to either capture or purchase of wives.

1. 12. mie tradition qui avait cours . The story occurs in the Gesta Regum Francorum , a rather wild compilation of the 7Ü1 century, and is doubtful. It is hardly likely that a woman in Fredegund’s position would hâve known much about the canon law.

Page 9.

1. 3. sans comprendre de quelle conséquence , &c. Spiritual affinity, caused by the relation of sponsorship, was regarded as a bar to marriage as much as actual relationship. Audovera, having acted as godmother to Chilperich’s child, could no longer remain his wife.

1. 18. en rigide observateur des lois ecclésiastiques. Chilperich had a smattering of canon law, and used it when it served his purpose, as we see in the Quatrième Récit, on the trial of Prætextatus.