[187] There are great difficulties in the way of accepting this statement of a mission by Karl in 773. The passage calls Albinus _deliciosus ipsius regis_, and is quoted by Ducange as an evidence of the use of the word. It appears to imply a more intimate acquaintance than at that early date there can have been. [188] In modern times, better wine is grown near Tours than near Orleans. The wines of Vouvray, for example, beyond Marmoutier, are much esteemed. A waiter at Tours concedes that wine is still grown at Orleans, _mais pas de spécialité comme ici_. [189] The spellings of ordinary names are varied in those times almost at will, and it is interesting to note how often the letter _h_ plays a part in the variation. [190] 1 Chron. xxvii. 27. [191] Song of Songs, ii. 4. Alcuin takes on the whole the Vulgate version. It will be seen by reference to the text and margin of the Authorised and the Revised Versions that there is much variety in the rendering of the Hebrew, especially as regards the word here rendered “flowers”. The Septuagint gives a sixth meaning, “perfumes” or “unguents”. [192] 1 Chron. xxvii. 32. Alcuin makes here an unusually bold use of Scripture, first in taking to himself the description of David’s uncle, Jonathan, and then in putting into his mouth a cento of phrases from Judges xvi. 4, Jer. xlviii. 33, Prov. v. 16. [193] This song is built up from Song of Solomon vii. 12, v. 1, 2, vii. 9, vi. 3, and Isa lv. 1. [194] Song of Songs v. 3. [195] Luke xi. 5, 7. [196] 2 Sam. xxi. 1, 2. [197] This appears to be going beyond a joke. [198] Prov. xxv. 24. [199] This is of course not the usually assigned derivation; but it sounds the more reasonable of the two. [200] Plate II. [201] Plate III. [202] Plate IV. [203] Multitudo paganorum idolatriis dedita. Per cryptas et latibula cum paucis Christianis per eumdem conversis, mysterium solemnitatis diei Dominici clanculo celebrabat. [204] See p. 221. [205] For further extracts from Hadrian’s decree, see p. 228. [206] His last testament is printed by Migne in the Appendix to the works of Gregory of Tours, columns 1148-51. “Simul et omnes libros meos praeter Evangeliorum librum quem scripsit Hilarius quondam Pictavensis sacerdos quem tibi Eufronio fratri et consacerdoti dilectissimo cum prefata theca do lego volo statuo.” This theca was one of silver, containing relics of saints, which he used to carry about with him. Another theca, gilt, was in his chest, with two chalices of gold and a gold cross made by Mabuin; these he left to his church. [207] _Gesta Regum_, i. 3. [208] See p. 203. [209] But see p. 50. [210] See p. 217. [211] Printed in _Gallia Christiana_ under Tours. See p. 228. [212] See p. 217.