be saved." On that "end" we must keep heart and eye
unflinchingly fixed; and strive to add one more to the age-long
triumphs of endurance.

VIII

_A SOLEMN FARCE_

Sweet to the antiquarian palate are the fragments of Norman French
which still survive in the formularies of the Constitution. In
Norman French the King acknowledges the inconceivable sums which
from time to time his faithful Commons place at his disposal for
the prosecution of the war. In Norman French the Peers of the Realm
are summoned to their seats in Parliament which they adorn. In Norman
French, the Royal Assent has just been given to a Bill which doubles
the electorate and admits over six million women to the franchise.
All these things are dear to the antiquary, the historian, and
(perhaps we should add) the pedant, as witnessing to the unbroken
continuity of our constitutional forms, though the substance of
our polity has been altered beyond all recognition.

Another instance of Norman French which has lately emerged into
unusual prominence is the "Conge d'elire." We can trace this "Licence
to Elect" from the days of the Great Charter downwards; but it will
suffice for my present purpose to recall the unrepealed legislation
of Henry VIII. "It was then enacted that, at every future avoidance
of a bishopric, the King may send to the Dean and Chapter his usual
licence (called his 'Conge d'Elire') to proceed to election; which
is always, accompanied by a Letter Missive from the King containing
the name of the person whom he would have them elect; and if the Dean
and Chapter delay their election above twelve days the nomination
shall devolve to the King, who may then by Letters Patent appoint
such person as he pleases.... And, if such Dean and Chapter do not
elect in the manner by their Act appointed they shall incur all
the penalties of a praemunire--that is, the loss of all civil rights,
with forfeiture of lands, goods, and chattels, and imprisonment,
during the Royal pleasure."

Such are the singular conditions under which the Church of England
now exercises that right of electing her chief pastors which has
been from the beginning the heritage of Christendom. It would be
difficult to imagine a more dexterous use of chicanery, preserving
the semblance but carefully precluding the reality of a free choice.
We all know something of Deans and Chapters--the well-endowed
inhabitants of cathedral closes--and of those "greater Chapters"
which c