1252—Great tempests upon the sea, and fearful; and this year the king (Henry III.) granted, that wheretofore the citizens of London were to present the maior before the king, wheresoeuer he were, that now barons of the exchequer should serue (serve). 1292—The Jews corrupting England with vsury, had first a badge giuen them to weare, that they might be knowne, and after were banished to the number of 150,000 persons. 1313—This yeare the king of France burned all his leporous and pocky people, as well men as women; for that he supposed they had poysoned the waters, which caused his leprosie. About this time, also, the Jews had a purpose to poyson all the Christians, by poysoning all their springs. 1361—Men and beasts perished in diuers places with thunder and lightning, and fiends were seene speake unto men as they trauelled. 1386—The making of gunnes found; and rebels in Kent and Essex, who entered London, beheaded all lawyers, and burnt houses and all bookes of law. 1388—Picked shoes, tyed to their knees with siluer chains, were vsed. And women with long gownes rode in side-saddles, like the queen, that brought side-saddles first to England; for before they rode astrid. 1401—Pride exceeding in monstrous apparrell. 1411—Guildhall in London begun. 1417—A decree for lantherne and candle-light in London. 1427—Rain from the 1st of Aprill to Hollontide. _Hymn in the Form of a Cross._ The following hymn was composed by a Christian monk during the middle ages:— THE CROSS. Blest they who seek While in their youth, With spirit meek, The way of truth. To them the sacred Scriptures now display Christ as the only true and living way; His precious blood on Calvary was given To make them heirs of endless bliss in heaven. And e'en on earth the child of God can trace The glorious blessings of his Saviour's face. For them He bore His Father's frown, For them He wore The thorny crown; Nailed to the cross, Endured its pain That His life's loss Might be their gain. Then haste to choose That better part, Nor dare refuse The Lord your heart, Lest He declare— "I know you not!" And deep despair Shall be your lot. Now look to Jesus who on Calvary died, And trust on Him alone who there was crucified. _Curious Piece of Antiquity, on the Crucifixion of our Saviour and the two Thieves._