Note 354 — Book IX.

“Aids were, at first, benevolencies of the Vassals, and were given during the great festivity, or the great necessity of the Lord upon three occasions—to wit—when his Son was knighted, when his Daughter was to be married, and when his person was to be ransomed: but what originally flowed from regard, Superiors soon changed into a matter of duty, and on a gratuity erected a right.” (Dalrymp. on feuds, p. 52.)—Speaking of aids, Mr. Madox informs us, that King William the First took 6s. of each Hyde through England—King Henry the First took 3s. for each Hyde, as aid pur fille marier. But he adds, that, for want of requisite notices, he could not speak distinctly of them. (Hist. Exch. c. 15. s. 1.) The Reader may also be referred to Traités sur les Coutumes Anglo-Norm. par M. Houard. 1. 265. 518.