Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Psalter
England, possibly London, late 13th century
MS M.102 fol. 2r

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Psalm 001 (Vulg., 001).
1) Initial E:
Solomon: Judgment of Solomon -- Solomon, crowned, sits with his legs crossed on animal faldstool and holds sword in his left hand. He points with his right hand to soldier, in mail, wearing cap and scabbard at waist.
He grasps infant with his right hand and wields sword in his left hand, beside one of two veiled mothers. One raises her hands toward Solomon, and the other, below, raises her right hand.
Above the king is post-windmill; below him is nimbed angel, as personification of wind, swooping down with inscribed scroll from Psalm 1:1, [BE] AT(US) VIR Q(UI) NON ABIIT.
Scene with pen flourished background of leaves, some furled, within initial E decorated with four vine-like leaves.
Initial E, possibly cipher for the king, Edward I of England.
2) Line ending:
Hybrid man with dragon body and bird tail.
3) Margin, lower:
Pheasant perches on leaf stump.