Under
each of these was a subordinate class, whose office was to kill,
prepare, &c. called _lanii_, and sometimes _carnifices_.
Two English poets (Swift and Gay) have been rather severe towards the
London butchers, the former says,--
"Hence he learnt the _Butcher's_ guile,
How to cut your throat, and smile;
Like a _butcher_ doom'd for life,
In his mouth to wear his knife."
The latter,--
----"resign the way,
To shun the surly _butcher's_ greasy tray:
_Butchers_, whose hands are died with blood's foul stain,
And always foremost in the hangman's train."
The butchers' company was not incorporated until the 3rd year of King
James I. when they were made a _Corporation_, by the name of master,
wardens and commonalty of the art and mystery of butchers; yet the
fraternity is ancient.
Stowe says, "In the 3rd of Richard II. motion was made that no butcher
should kill any flesh within London, but at Knightsbridge, or such like
distant place from the walls of the citie."
P.T.W.
* * * * *
STUMBLING AT THE THRESHOLD.
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