Note 288 — THE PROLOGUE.
Reading edition
This Popish ceremony is particularly described in an ancient book of the "Ceremonial of the Kings of England," purchased by the Duchess of Northumberland, at the sale of the MSS. of Mr Anstis, Garter King-at-arms. It appears from this curious treatise that the Bishop and the Dean brought a crucifix out of the vestry, and placed it on a cushion before the altar. A carpet was then laid "for the Kinge to creepe to the crosse upon." See Dr Percy's note to the "Northumberland Household Book," p. 436.—Steevens.
Creeping to the Cross is mentioned in Warner's "Albion's England," 1602, p. 115—
"We offer tapers, pay our tythes and vowes; we pilgrims goe To every sainct, at every shrine we offerings doe bestow; We kiss the pix, we creepe the crosse, oar beades we over-runne, The convent hath a legacie, who so is left undone."
[See also "Pop. Antiq. of Great Brit." i. 86.]