The superstitious trial by water ordeal, though condemned by the church,[***] still subsisted; but Henry ordained, that any man accused of murder, or any heinous felony, by the oath of the legal knights of the county, should, even though acquitted by the ordeal, be obliged to abjure the realm.[****] All advances towards reason and good sense are slow and gradual.

Henry, though sensible of the great absurdity attending the trial by duel or battle, did not venture to abolish it: he only admitted either of the parties to challenge a trial by an assize or jury of twelve freeholders.[*****] [* Some Scotch historians pretend, that William paid, besides, one hundred thousand pounds of ransom, which is quite incredible.

The ransom of Richard I., who, besides England, possessed so many rich territories in France, was only one hundred and fifty thousand marks, and yet was levied with great difficulty.

Indeed, two thirds of it only could be paid before his deliverance.] [** Benedict.

Abbas, p.132.Hoveden, p.