The governance of England: otherwise called The difference between an absolute and a limited monarchy. A rev. text edited with introd., notes, and appendices by Charles Plummer.

CHAPTER XX. AUERTISEMENT FOR MAKYNG OF PATENTIS OF GIFTIS.

IT is nat ment bi the premisses, but that the kyng without the assent of his parlement shal gyve to suche as don hym singuler service, land for terme of theyr lives. For therby his corowne may nat be disherited; for that land wil sone come ageyn. But than it were goode that the same land be no more gyven; for ellis importune suters wil gape vpon suche reuersiouns, and oftentymes asken hem or they befall. And whan they bien fal, the kyng shal have no rest with suche suters, vnto the tyme his highnesse have gyven ageyn al suche lond as he hath oonys gevyn. Bi contynuaunce þerof, that land shal nat serve hym but for giftes, as don offices, corodies, and pensiouns. And triewly it were goode that of al the kynges giftes his patentis maden men|cioun that they were passed, de auisamento consilii sui; and namely for a yeere or ij. Ffor if such an ordre

be kept, men wil nat be so hasty to aske rewardis, but if thei be of right goode merites; and many men wil than be of better gouernaunce, for the kynges counseil shuld deme hem worthy to be re|warded. And they that opteyne nat that they desire shal have thanne litel coloure of grucche, considryng that they lak it bi the discrecioun of þe kynges counseil. And the kyng shal have herby grete rest, and be wele defended ageyn suche im|portune suters. And yit he may leve this ordre whan that hym list.