[12] In this connection we may give the following extract from _Ancient
Laws and Institutes of Wales_, etc., etc., printed by command of his
late Majesty King William IV, under the direction of the commissioners
on the Public Records of the Kingdom. MDCCCXLI. Folio. From page
369.--The Gwentian[13] Code.
"A woman of full age who goes with a man clandestinely, and taken by him
to bush, or brake, or house, and after connection deserted; upon
complaint made by her to her kindred, and to the courts, is to receive,
for her chastity, a bull of three winters, having its tail well shaven
and greased and then thrust through the door-clate; and then let the
woman go into the house, the bull being outside, and let her plant her
foot on the threshold, and let her take his tail in her hand, and let a
man come on each side of the bull; and if she can hold the bull, let her
take it for her _wynet-werth_[14] and her chastity; and, if not, let her
take what grease may adhere to her hands."
[13] _Gwent_, the appellation of the district in Wales inhabited by the
Silures, comprised the diocese of Landav.
[14] This word means _face shame_ or _face worth_.
[15] A good honest word, which although not exactly English, is at least
first cousin to our _quest_, and _quiz_, etc.
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