Year he went into Saxony, and there he held a General Convention every Year, as he used to do every Year in France also.”—­Again, lib. 4. cap. 13. where he speaks of Charles the Great—­“When the Hunting near Aix la Chapelle was ended, as soon as he return’d, he held a General Convention of his People, according to usual Custom, &c. Cap. 116.  The Emperor having held Two Conventions, one at Nimeguen, the other at Compiegn, wherein he receiv’d the Annual Presents, &c.  Again, Cap. 117.  In the Month of August he came to Wormes, and holding there the General Convention according to constant Practice, he received the Yearly Gifts which were offer’d him, and gave Audience to several Ambassadors, &c.  Again, Lib. 5. cap. 31. The General Placitum was held on the Ides of June, in the Town Dusiacum.”

And this may suffice touching this solemn General Council, which both French and German Historians, thro’ a deprav’d Custom of the Latin Tongue, called by different Names; sometimes Curia, sometimes Conventus Generalis, but for the most Part Placitum.  Gregorius, lib. 7 cap. 14 says thus:—­“Therefore when the Time of the Placitum approached, they were directed by King Childebert, &c.  Aimoinus, lib. 4. cap. 109. In the middle of the Month he held the General Convention at Thionville, where there was a very great Appearance of the People of the Franks; and in this Placitum, the singular Compassion of the most Pious Emperor eminently show’d it self, &c.”

Now it was the Custom in that Council to send Presents from all Parts to the King; as may appear from many Places which might be quoted, wherein that Council is called Conventus Generalis.  Aimoinus, lib. 4. cap. 64. speaking of King Pipin—­“He compell’d them (says he) to promise they would obey all his Commands, and to send him every Year at the Time of the General Convention, Three Hundred Horses, as a Gift and Token of Respect. Item, cap. 85. Not forgetting the Perfidy of the Saxons, he held the General Convention beyond the Rhine, in the Town of Kufftein, according to the usual Custom.”

This Council was sometimes called by another Name, Curia, the Court; from whence proceeded the common Saying, when People went to the King’s Hall or Palace, we are going to Court; because they seldom approach’d the King, but upon great Occasions, and when a Council was call’d. Aimoinus, lib. 5. cap. 50.  “Charles, (says he) the Son of the Danish King, sued (or prosecuted) several Noblemen of Flanders very conveniently at this Curia, or Court. Item, cap. sequenti; Henry King of the Romans being dead, at that Great