Note 269 — Book VII.
John Beames translation
Lord Littleton thinks, the reason for exempting Widows from the penalty was, that they, not being under the custody of their Lords, their incontinence was no breach of the Duty and reverence due from a Vassal. (3. Hist. Hen. 2. p. 119.) The Mirror coincides with the text. (c. 1. s. 3.) The custom of Gavelkynd is less liberal to the frailty of the widow. (Robins. on Gavelkynd 195.)