The extract describing the carbuncle is from Pannier, p. 295, where a prose fragment of a Christian lapidary is given. The carbuncle was frequently mentioned in mediæval romances, and was supposed to give success in battle, and also in lawsuits (see Meyer, p. 67). The account of the symbolism of the twelve stones comes from Philippe de Thaün's "Bestiaire," verses 2977-3004. The Oxford Bible gives classified lists of stones mentioned in the Scriptures. HOMILY Concerning Miracle Plays, Games, and Minstrelsy Homilies in prose and in verse were a common means of instruction. They were usually more popular than mere sermons and sought to hold the attention by the use of copious illustration. The following extract is from "Handlyng Synne" (Manual of Sins), translated in 1303 by Robert Mannyng of Brunne, from a French original, and edited by Dr. Furnivall, Early English Text Society, No. 119. "Handlyng Synne," a collection of homilies, denounces the seven deadly sins, citing many concrete instances of fact and of fable in order to enforce the moral lessons. The translation below interprets lines 4637-4774 (pp. 155-159), where the sin of sloth is under discussion. For information about minstrelsy the student should consult CHAMBERS, E. K. The Mediæval Stage, Vol. I, bk. i. Oxford University Press, 1903. GALPIN, F. W. Old English Instruments of Music. A. C. McClurg & Co., Chicago, 1911. DUNCAN, E. The Story of Minstrelsy. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York, 1907. CUTTS, E. Scenes and Characters of the Middle Ages. Vertue and Company, London, 1886. SATIRE The most popular satire in the Middle Ages is found in the fabliaux, short tales which picture, with great zest, racy incidents in the lives of common people whose hidden sins or hypocrisies are suddenly exposed. The satire in these stories is exceedingly broad and attacks, by preference, women and the clergy, painting with vivid realism their immorality and intense selfishness. Readers will find information regarding these in "The English Fabliau," by H. S. Canby, _Publications of the Modern Language Association_, XXI, 200-214. Formal satire, which points out abuses and vices by means of exposition, is illustrated in the poems following. Satire against women is most agreeably found in "The Romance of the Rose," chaps. xlvi-lii (translated by F. S. Ellis, Temple Classics). In _Romania_, XV, 315, 339; XVI, 389; XXXVI, 1, will be found interesting matter relating to satires on women, in France. The Song of the University of Paris