Gloves. against accepting any presents from foreign countries or unknown people, unless these articles were carefully inspected and tested to ascertain whether or not they contained poison. Gloves were especially mentioned. This is not surprising when we consider the extravagant ideas then entertained as to the knowledge oí the professional poisoner, and of Queen Elizabeth's fondness for fine gloves. A curious instance is recorded in the Criminal Annals of England, where it is stated that two sisters, Margaret and Phillis Flower, were executed at Lincoln in 1618. for bewitching the youngest son of the Earl of Rutland. It is said that, "ihev did steal
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to languish, and the witness is now permitted to take the oath while holding up a gloved hand. In England some one who desired to prevent further thickening of an already pachydermatous conscience appealed against this breaking of an ancient and respectful observance, but the judge, who decided the appeal, held that it was immaterial whether the .hand was gloved or not, and that the oath was still binding and in full force, not withstanding the fact that the hand was en cased in leather. The good Lord only knows what encased the conscience. It is a ques tion if there be not minds that would absolve themselves from perjury because they hold
GLOVE OF QUEEN ELIZAUETH. JGf.
y in the ground the glove of his lordship(-and as his glove did rot and waste, so did the liver of the said Earl rot and waste." It is also said that Colonel Blood gave a pair of gloves as a manifestation of his friend liness to the wife of a Mr. Edwards, the keeper of the crown jewels in the Tower of London, and this friendship was a part of the plot by which this man of sanguinary name attempted to plunder England's strong box. Some few years ago it was asserted that an attempt upon the life of Madame Patti was made by presenting her with a pair of poisoned gloves. In early days witnesses were required to remove their gloves while taking the oath, but this good old fashion has been allowed
up a gloved hand while taking the oath as they have when purposely kissing the thumb instead of the Bible. While no authentic instance can be found wherein the glove was used to swear in court, yet it may not be amiss to recall the fact that many instances are recorded of the custom of swearing by the glove in con versation. It is very tritely alluded to by Shakespeare: Falstaff: "Pistol, did you pick Master Slender's purse?" Slender: "Ay, by these gloves, did he—by these gloves." Pistol: "Word of denial—froth and scum— thou liest."
