Note 357 — Book IX.

Aid and relief do not always appear to be used by the old Books, in different senses. Speaking of the aids, mentioned in the present passage of the text, the Norman Code says, Hujusmodi relevia in quibusdam feodis dimidio relevio equalia: et in quibusdam feodis decem solidos. Hence, the ancient custom was to be followed. (Le Grand Cust. de Norm. c. 35.) When Bracton wrote, these aids were considered as matter of grace, rather than of right, being, as he terms them, customs, not services, and personal to the Tenant, not prædial. (36. b.) Judge Blackstone notices the great resemblance, which, in the particular of aids, the Lord and Vassal of the Feudal Law bore to the patron and client of the Roman Law: the patron being entitled to three aids from his client, viz. to marry his Daughter, to pay his Debts, and to redeem his person from captivity. (2 Com. 63.) Generally, see Co. Litt. 76. a. and Mr. Hargrave’s note 1. 2 Inst. 231. 232, and Mirror, c. 1. s. 3.