There was an absolute necessity for providing a dower for the widow in
the thirteenth century, because women at that period had no personal
fortune to entitle them to a jointure by way of marriage. Shiernhook,
and all the writers upon the ancient laws of the northern nations, dwell
much upon the _morgengavium_; i. e. the present made by the husband to
his wife the morning after consummation. It is singular, therefore, that
we have no traces of such a custom. In the Philippine islands, a certain
proportion of the dower is paid to the intended wife after liberty of
conversing with her; a greater share for the permission of eating with
her; and the balance upon consummation.[427]
[427] Gemelli, vol. v. Napoli, 1708.
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