counted it out and handed it over to the Prior. At the same time he bade the keeper of the royal wardrobe provide a piece of the most precious cloth of gold "commonly called crimson tissue," sufficiently large to make a cope, chasuble, and two tunicles for use at the High Altar of the great Martyr. At the close of the interview the King addressed the Prior thus: "Father Prior, these things are a small, and indeed very small or rather no return at all for the spiritual favours, which are worth greatly more, but as we intend later to Bestow other gifts, we desire your Abbot and Convent to grant us one favour more: that is, to keep after our decease the anniversary of our death, and by a written document to assure us of this favour."
On his return to St. Albans the Prior informed the Abbot of this request, and in Chapter the convent forthwith drew up and sealed a letter of Fraternity for the King and promised to observe for ever his annual obit.
It is worthy of remark that throughout his life Henry was delighted, whenever he could, to pass some time in the seclusion of some religious house. John Ross, the Warwickshire chronicler, and a contemporary of the
