252. _Printing in 1449, and Shakspeare._--As the _Esil_ controversy seems now, if not settled, to be at least lulled, at the risk of stirring up another Shakspearean discussion, I venture to set down a passage in the _Second Part of Henry VI._, which I have never yet seen satisfactorily explained. It is-- "Act IV. Scene 7.--_Cade._ ... Thou has most traitorously corrupted the youth of the realm, in erecting a grammar-school; and whereas, before, our forefathers had no other books but the score and the tally, _thou hast caused printing to be used_; and contrary to the king, his crown and dignity, _thou hast built a paper-mill_." Is this a mere wilful anachronism on Shakspeare's part; or had "that misunderstood politician" Mr. John Cade any ground for this particular accusation against the Lord Treasurer Say? Perhaps some of your correspondents who have contributed the very interesting Notes on Caxton and Printing will elucidate the matter. W. FRASER. 253. _Texts before Sermons._--What is the origin of, and the authority for our present use of texts of Holy Scripture before sermons? In the Roman Catholic church the custom, I believe, is not the same. The homilies used in the Church of England have no texts. In the ancient Postils, was the gospel for the day again read from the pulpit, or were the hearers supposed to carry it in their minds? It is quite clear that texts are now in most cases merely the pegs whereon the sermon is hung, so to speak, and are not read as passages of Holy Scripture to be expounded to an audience ignorant of the meaning of the sacred volume. Perhaps this Query may draw forth some remarks on the subject. G. R. M. 254. _Paradyse, Hell, Purgatory._--Can any of your correspondents favour me with the history and uses of three Chambers or Houses in Westminster Hall, which in the reigns of Henry VII. and VIII. bore these portentous names? The custody of them was evidently a source of profit; as there are several grants of it to "squires of the king's body" and others. (See _Rymer_, xii. 275., xiii. 34.; _Rot. Parl._ vi. 372.) Φ. 255. _Dead Letter._--"If the editor of 'NOTES AND QUERIES' will accept an indirect suggestion, we should be glad if he, or some of his learned correspondents, would inform the public of the origin or antiquity of the popular saying by which a thing, under certain circumstances, is designated as a 'dead letter.'"