[13] On the other hand, the scythes used by other nations may well have been on the wheels. Livy describes those used by Antiochus (_currus falcatus_): “Round the pole were sharp-pointed spears which extended from the yoke of the two outside horses about fifteen feet; with these they pierced everything in their way. On the end of the yoke were two scythes, one being placed horizontally, the other towards the ground. The first cut everything from the sides, the others catching those prostrate on the ground or trying to crawl under. The long spears (_cuspides_) were not on the yoke, as some say.”
[14] _English Wayfaring Life in the Middle Ages._ J. J. Jusserand. London, 1888.
[15] _Early Carriages and Roads._ Sir Walter Gilbey, Bart. London, 1903.
[16] This appears to have been similar to the _carroccio_, described by Stratton as a very heavy four-wheeled car, surmounted by a tall staff, painted a bright red. Stratton also mentions the _cochio_, which he describes as a thirteenth-century carriage having a covering of red matting, under which, in the fore-part of the body, the ladies were seated, the gentlemen occupying the rear end. Both these _words_, however, seem to belong to a much later date and may be translations of an earlier original.
[17] “The XXX day of September the Queen’s Grace came from the Tower through London, riding in a charrett gorgeously beseen, unto Westminster.” MS. Cotton. Vitellius, F.v.
[18] _History of Great Britain._ Arthur Wilson. London, 1653.
[19] cf. Spenser, who uses three words which appear to be interchangeable.
“Tho’, up him taking in their tender hands They easily unto her charett beare; Her teme at her commandement quiet stands, Whiles they the corse unto her wagon reare. And strowe with flowers the lamentable beare; Then all the rest into their Coches climb.”
[20] It is probable that the closed carriage in which the Emperor Frederick III paid a visit to Frankfort in 1474 was one of these cotzi. Here the interesting point is that the Emperor’s attendants, apparently for the first time, were relieved of the necessity of holding a canopy over His Majesty’s head, except when he went to and returned from the Council Chamber.
[21] Taylor mentions in one place that “for the mending of the Harnesse, a Knights Coachman brought in a bill to his master of 25 pounds.” He also says that the owners of coaches liked to match their horses if possible.