The old sanctuary of the abbey and palace of Holyrood House was
an interesting institution. The debtor was free from arrest
during the week. On entering the sanctuary he enrolled himself
in a formal manner and obtained a room--that is, if he could pay
for it. There was a public house within the boundaries, and it
was not uncommon to see the debtor in the inn playing dominoes
and his creditors standing looking in at the window with wistful
eyes. The debtor was safe, and he knew it, and the face of the
creditor told the same tale. Sunday being a _dies non_,
the debtor could leave his sanctuary and visit his family, but
he had to be careful to get back to Holyrood on Sunday night.
Sometimes a debtor had the temerity to leave on a week day, but
he did so at his peril.
Once in the ark, God himself having shut in the occupant, the latter
could not be safer. A city of refuge, indeed!
(2645)