Note 26 — Cabo CORSO.
Reading edition
These sort of Tryals have much the same View with the Water of Jealousy among the Jews, or Ordeal with our Saxon Ancestors, that is, a Tryal by Fire or Water: The former was proving their Innocency by walking on hot Plough-Shears un-hurt: The latter was used hot or cold. They run their Arm into it scalding hot; or the Priest gave an Imprecation to a Draught of Holy-Water. The Person swore to his Innocence, and being tied Hands and Feet, was thrown into a River or Pond; if he sunk, he was adjudged innocent, if he floated, guilty: And these ways continued till K. Hen. III.
Another way with the Saxons, was single Combat; if a Woman, she appointed her Champion.
Another, since we are upon Tryal, was by two Ounces of Bread and Cheese taken after the Communion, the Priest thus imprecating; May it stick in your Throat, turn pale, your Limbs convulsed, &c. if guilty; but if innocent, may you swallow it easily, &c.
Rapin.