[74] Forest Law, as once administered, was perhaps the worst example of class legislation ever known to the English Constitution--it was a deliberate violation of the rights of the many for the gratification of the few--the same act which was venial in the gentleman became unpardonable when committed by the villein. For example, a common man who slew a deer was guilty of felony and might be capitally convicted, whereas a nobleman riding through the King's Forest was allowed to kill a stag or two for his refreshment, on the understanding that he did so in the sight of a ranger, or if no ranger was present, provided that someone blew a horn for him, "that he seem not to steal the deer" (9 Henry III.). [75] Dalton, cap. 60, fol. 141. [76] "Town Life in the Fifteenth Century," Mrs J. R. Green, vol. i. chapter iv. [77] "Liber Albus," p. 312. [78] "Liber Albus," p. 315. [79] Hist. MSS. Com., ix. 174. [80] 51 Hen. III., stat. 6. [81] 12 Edw. ii. c. 6. [82] See Final Report of H. M. Commissioners appointed to enquire into the operation and administration of the Laws relating to the sale of intoxicating liquors, chap. xvi. p. 21. [83] The King could tax foreign merchants resident in England without having to obtain the consent of Parliament. [84] The test was usually a verse out of the 51st Psalm--commonly called the "neck verse." [85] 7 & 8 Geo. iv. c. 28; and see Carter's Eng. Leg. Hist., pp. 202, 203. [86] 6 Edw. I., c. 9. [87] 22 Edw. IV. [88] 3 Henry VII., c. 1. [89] 34 & 35 Hen. VIII., c. 26 (Wales). [90] "Tables of population," says Bentham, "in which are described the dwelling-place, the age, the sex, the profession, etc.... of individuals, are the first materials of a good police" (Bentham's "Principles of Penal Law," chap. xii.). [91] The story of young Edward amongst the vagabonds has recently been told with great charm and pathos by one of the most popular writers of the day. Mark Twain's "The Prince and the Pauper" may not be history, but that it presents a truthful picture of the sufferings of vagrants in the sixteenth century cannot be doubted. [92] Slaves might be bought, sold, or bequeathed by will, like any other chattel. [93] 1 Edw. VI. [94] 3 & 4 Edw. VI., c. 5. [95] The command of the Militia was transferred from the Lords-Lieutenant of counties to the Crown in the year 1871 ("The Army Book for the British Empire," p. 373). [96] To this there was one exception, viz., that foreigners were not allowed to keep inns "unless they have report from the parts whence they come, or find safe pledges" (Statute). [97] 5 & 6 Edw. VI., c. 25. [98] 27 Elizabeth, Private Acts. [99] Ordinance, 27 Eliz. [100] "The Commonwealth of England," Sir Thomas Smith, Ed., 1598, bk. ii. chap. 21. [101] 5 Eliz., c. iv. sect. 7. [102] See p. 302, chap. xv., post. [103] 14 Eliz., c. v. sect. 2. [104] 39 and 40 Eliz., c. iv. [105] 43 Eliz. c. 2. [106] 27 Eliz. c. 13. [107] 39 Elizabeth, c. 25.