consent, or authority. It also subjects to a like anathema; those who shall, in any way, without a just cause, hinder the holy wish of virgins, or other women, to take the veil or declare their vows. And all and each of those things which ought to be done before profession, or at the profession itself, shall be observed not only in monasteries subject to: the bishop, but also in all others soever. From these [rules], however, are excepted those women who are called penitents, or convertites; in regard to whom their constitutions shall be observed.
CHAPTER XIX.
How to proceed the Cases of those who [wish to] give way from, a Religious Body.
Whatsoever regular shall pretend that he entered into a religious order through violence and intimidation; or shall even allege that he made profession before the fitting age; or any such [pretext]; and would wish to lay aside his habit, be the cause what it may; or would even withdraw with his habit without the permission of his superiors; shall be listened to, unless it be within five years only from the day of his profession, and not then either, unless he have produced before his own superior, and the ordinary, the reasons which he pretends. But if, before [doing so], he has of his own accord laid aside his habit; he shall in no wise be admitted to allege any cause soever; but shall be compelled to return to his monastery, and be punished as an apostate; and meanwhile shall not have the benefit of any privilege of his order. Also, no regular shall, by force of any faculty soever, be transferred to a less rigid order; nor shall permission be granted to any regular to wear secretly the habit of his order.
CHAPTER XX.
Superiors of Orders not subject to Bishops shall visit and correct inferior Monasteries even though held in commendum.
Abbots, who are heads of orders, and the other superiors of the aforesaid orders, who are not subject to bishops, but possess a lawful jurisdiction over other inferior monasteries, or priories, shall, each in his own place and order, offici-
