Notes and Queries, Number 09, December 29, 1849

Burton also (Anatomy of Melancholy) describes it as "like that black drink which was in use among the Lacedæmonians, and perhaps the same."

E.B. PRICE.

QUERIES

THE LAST OF THE VILLAINS

It would be an interesting fact if we could ascertain the last bondsman by blood—nativus de sanguine—who lived in this country. The beginning of the seventeenth century is the period usually referred to as the date of the extinction of personal villenage. In the celebrated argument in the case of the negro Somerset (State Trials, vol. xx. p. 41), an instance as late as 1617-18 is cited as the latest in our law books. (See Noy's Reports, p. 27.) It is probably the latest recorded claim, but it is observable that the claim failed, and that the supposed villain was adjudged to be a free man. I can supply the names of three who were living near Brighton in the year 1617, and whose thraldom does not appear to have been disputed. Norden, from whose unpublished Survey of certain Crown Manors I have extracted the following notice, adverts to the fact, but seems to think that the times were rather unfavourable to any attempt by the lord of the manor to put his rights in force.

"There are three bondmen of bloude belonginge unto this manor, never known to be anie way mannumissed, namely, Thomas Goringe, William and John Goringe. Thomas Goringe dwells at Amberley, William at Piddinghow, and John Goringe at Rottingdean. What goods they have the Jurie know not. All poor men. Thomas hath the reversion of a cotage now in the tenure of William Jefferye. But mee thinks this kinde of advantage is nowe out of season; yet, were they men of ability, they might be, upon some consideration, infraunchized." (Survey of the Manor of Falmer, Sussex.)

I shall be glad to know whether any more recent instance can be pointed out.

E. SMIRKE.

THE DORE OF HOLY SCRIPTURE

In Herbert's edition of Ames's Typographical Antiquities, 1785, vol. i. p. 492., is noticed The Dore of Holy Scripture, 12mo., printed by John Gowghe in 1536; and, at p. 494., a reprint of the same work is mentioned in 1540, by the same printer, and a description of a copy given from one then in the possession of Herbert himself. In the preface prefixed by the printer, he calls the work "the prologue of the fyrste translatoure of the byble out of latyn in to Englyshe;" and at the end of the work is this note:—"Perused by doctor Taylor and doctor Barons, Master Ceton and Master Tornor." As I am much interested in the subject to which this publication refers, may I ask for information on three points?—1. What evidence is there of this edition of 1536, beyond the statement in Ames? 2. What has become of the copy of the edition of 1540, formerly belonging to Herbert? and, 3. Who are the persons who peruse and revise the latter edition? There is not copy of either edition, as far as I can trace, in the British Museum, in the Bodleian, or at Lambeth.

I may add to these queries the following remarks:—

1. Ames asserted that The Dore of Holy Scripture was among the books prohibited to be read by the injunctions of Henry the Eighth, and refers, as his authority, to Foxe's Acts and Monument, ed. 1562, p. 574. Herbert, in a note, questions the fact, and raises a doubt as to the existence of the passage in Foxe, since it is not in the edition of 1641. I have, however, the first edition now before me of 1563 (not 1562), and at p. 574., among "the names of certen bokes whiche after this injunction [namely, of 1539], or some other in the said kinges dayes were prohybited," occurs, "Item, the doore of holy scripture. made by Jhon. Gowghe."

2. This work was again printed by Crowley in 1550, 12mo., under a different title, namely, The Pathway to Perfect Knowledge; and in the preface, he falsely ascribes it to John Wycliffe, and adds, "the original wherof is in an olde English Bible, betwixt the Olde Testament and the Newe, which Bible remaineth now in the Kyng his Majesties chamber." This Bible appears to be the identical manuscript copy of the later Wycliffe version of the Scriptures, now preserved in the University Library, Cambridge, and marked Mm 2. 15. A copy of Crowley's edition is in the British Museum, but the orthography and language of the tract are modernised.

F.M. B.M., Dec. 19.

TURNER'S MS. HISTORY OF WESTMINSTER—CRUCIFIX OF EDWARD THE CONFESSOR

On April 6. 1708, Henry Turner was elected, by the vestry, organist of St. Margaret's, Westminster, in the room of the famous "Father Smith" (Bernard Schmidt). As regards his musical capabilities, Hawkins does not assign him a niche in his Temple of Worthies, although he names some of his predecessors and successors in that office. One merit we must accord him, that of true antiquarian love and zeal in all matters regarding "this renowned city." "Great materials are said to have been collected for a full description (of Westminster), by a parish-clerk of St. Margaret's. I presume this is Henry Turner, mentioned in Widmore's Account of the Writers of the History of Westminster Abbey.... His book was only a survey of the city of Westminster, purposely omitting the history of the (collegiate) church."—Gough, Brit. Top. vol. i. p. 761. Lond. 1780. "The man's natural parts were very good; he was also very diligent in making enquiries relating to his subject, and he had collected a great deal."—Widmore's Acc. of Writers of the Hist. of Westm. Abbey, pp. 6, 7. Lond. 1751. As regards his personal history, I alighted on some curious notes on a fly-leaf of a transcript of a register: "Henry Turner, borne at Yearely, Derbyshire, 12. July, 1679: married Eliz. Sabin, of Clement Danes, in St. Margrts. Westmr. Feb. 26. 1701. by Dr. Onley."

In 1697 it was discovered that some valuable MS. records belonging to the parish, and taken out of the Tower of London, had been lost by their keeper. This history in its time appears to have suffered the same fate. However, there is this entry in the Harleian MSS. 7045. fol. 361.: "From the learned Dr. Kennet, Dean of Peterborough's Collection. MSS. MS. H. On Aug. 2. 1708, at Windsor, I read over the History of the Parish of St. Margaret's, Westminster, drawn up in MS. by one of the parish clerks." Some interesting extracts follow. Compare Aysc. Add. MSS. Brit. Mus. 4163. fol. 5. Bishop Kennet resided in St. James's Street, in this parish, and died there on Dec. 19. 1728. I have applied in vain for any account of this MS. to the librarians of Windsor Castle and Eton College.

Can any of your readers give a clue to its recovery? Are any aware that this survey, which would be valuable now, still exists? There is an instance, as early as the fifteenth century, of the union of the offices of lay-clerk and organist in St. Margaret's, in the person of one Metyngham, and H. Turner also held them at the same time; since, on July 28th, 1713, he was elected parish-clerk by the vestry, in "consideration of the experience they had of fitness and diligence in executing the office of deputy-clerk of this parish for several years last past;" and he did not resign the place of organist until 2nd October, 1718.

May I make another Query?—The gold chain and crucifix, laid in the grave of K. Edward the Confessor, were removed by Charles Taylor, and given into the hands of King James II. On the reverse of the same cross was pictured a Benedictine monk, in his habit, and on each side of him these capital Roman letter,—

What does the inscription mean? Is the former portion to be understood "[Greek: A. O. Zoae agion Christos]"? What is the import of the latter?

MACKENZIE WALCOTT, M.A.

THE TALISMAN OF CHARLEMAGNE

Many years back, "Prince" Louis Napoleon was stated to be in possesion of the talisman of Charlemagne;—"a small nut, in a gold filigree envelopment, found round the neck of that monarch on the opening of his tomb, and given by the town of Aachen (Aix-la-Chapelle) to Buonaparte, and by him to his favourite Hortense, ci-de-vant Queen of Holland, at whose death it descended to her son," the present President of the French Republic.

The Germans have a curious legend connected with this talisman. It was framed by some of the magi in the train of the ambassadors of Aaroun-al-Raschid to the mighty Emperor of the West, at the instance of his spouse Fastrada, with the virtue that her husband should be always fascinated towards the person or thing on which it was. The constant love of Charles to this his spouse was the consequence; but, as it was not taken from her finger after death, the affection of the emperor was continued unchanging to the corpse, which he would on no account allow to be interred, even when it became offensive. His confessor, having some knowledge of the occult sciences, at last drew off the amulet from the inanimate body, which was then permitted to be buried; but he retained possession of it himself, and thence became Charles's chief favourite and prime minister, till he had been promoted to the highest ecclesiastical dignity, as Archbishop of Mainz and Chancellor of the Empire. At this pitch of power, whether he thought he could rise no higher, or scruples of conscience were awakened by the hierarchical vow, he would hold the heathen charm no longer, and he threw it into a lake not far from his metropolitan seat, where the town of Ingethüm now stands. The regard and affection of the monarch were immediately diverted from the monk, and all men, to the country surrounding the lake; and he determined on building there a magnificent palace for his constant residence, and robbed all the ancient royal and imperial residences, even to the distance of Ravenna, in Italy, to adorn it. Here he subsequently resided and died: but it seems the charm had a passive as well as an active power; his throes of death were long and violent; and though dissolution seemed every moment impending, still he lingered in ceaseless agony, till the Archbishop, who was called to his bed-side to administer the last sacred rites, perceiving the cause, caused the lake to be dragged, and, silently restoring the talisman to the person of the dying monarch, his struggling soul parted quietly away. The grave was opened by the third Otto in 997, and possibly the town of Aachen may have been thought the proper depository of the powerful drug, to be by them surrendered to one who was believed by many, as he believed himself to be, a second Charlemagne.

So much for the introduction to the following Queries:—1. Can any of your readers say whether this amulet is still in possession of the President of the French Republic? 2. If so, might not the believers in the doctrines of Sympathy attribute the votes of the six millions who, in Dec. 1848, voted in favour of his election, to the sympathetic influence of his "nut in gold filigree," and be justified in looking upon those who voted for his rivals as no true Franks? It was originally concocted for a Frankish monarch of pure blood, and may be supposed to exercise its potency only on those of genuine descent and untainted lineage.

WILLIAM BELL, Phil. Dr.

DICK SHORE—ISLE OF DOGS—KATHERINE PEGG

I entirely concur in the opinion of your able correspondent, Mr. P. Cunningham, that Pepys's Diary is well deserving all the illustrative light which may be reflected upon it from your useful pages. In submitting the following Query, however, my object is to glean a scrap of information on a point connected with the neglected topography of the east end of London, taking Pepys for my text. In the Diary, the entry for January 15th, 1660-61, contains this passage:—

"We took barge and went to Blackwall, and viewed the Dock and the new west Dock which is newly made there, and a brave new merchantman which is to launched shortly, and they say to be called the Royal Oake. Hence we walked to Dick Shoare, and thence to the Towre, and so home."—Vol. i. p. 178. new Ed.

I shall be glad to learn from any of your readers what part of the northern bank of the river, between Blackwall and the Tower, was called Dick Shore. It is not marked on any of the old maps of London I have been able to consult; but it was probably beyond the most easterly point generally shown within their limits. The modern maps present no trace of the locality in question.

The dock-yard visited by Pepys was long one of the most considerable private ship-building establishments in England. For may years it was conducted by Mr. Perry, and subsequently, under the firm of Wigram and Green, the property having been purchased by the late Sir Robert Wigram, Bart. The extensive premises are still applied to the same use; but they have been divided to form two distinct yards, conducted by separate firms.

The origin of the name (Isle of Dogs), given to the marshy tract of land lying within the bold curve of the Thames between Blackwall and Limehouse, is still undetermined. The common story is, that it receives its name from the king's hounds having been kept there during the residence of the royal family at Greenwich. This tradition is wholly unsupported; nor is it very probable that the king's hounds would be kennelled in this ungenial and inconvenient place, while they could be kept on the Kentish side of the river, in the vicinity of Greenwich Castle, then occupying the site of the present Observatory.

The denominations "isle" and "island" appear to have been bestowed on many places not geographically entitled to them. The Isle of Dogs, before the construction of the canal which now crosses its isthmus, was in fact a peninsula. Pepys spent a night in the "isle of Doggs," as appears by his entry for July 24th, 1665, and again, on the 31st of the same month, he was compelled to wait in the "unlucky Isle of Doggs, in a chill place, the morning cool and wind fresh, above two if not three hours, to his great discontent."

To the account of Katherine Pegg, given by your correspondents, pp. 90, 91, may be added, that, besides Charles Fitz-Charles, Earl of Plymouth, she had, by Charles II., a daughter, who died in her infancy. Mrs. Pegg was one of the three wives of Sir Edward Greene, of Sampford (not Samford), near Thaxted, Essex, created a baronet 26th July, 1660 (within two months of the Restoration), to whom she seems to have been not unfitly matched; for it is recorded of him that, "by his extravagancy and love of gambling, he entirely ruined his estate, and his large inheritance passed from his family." He had issue two daughters, who married.—See Burke's Extinct Baronetage.

I do not think that Katherine Pegg, whose son by the King was born in 1657, was "the pretty woman newly come called Pegg," saluted by Pepys, 7th May, 1668, as Mr. Cunningham surmises.

J.T. HAMMACK.December.

MINOR QUERIES

The Strand Maypole.—"E.F.R." inquires what was the ultimate fate of the "tall Maypole" which "once o'erlooked the Strand"? It was taken down about the year 1717, when it was found to measure a hundred feet. It was obtained by Sir Isaac Newton, and borne on a carriage, for timber, to Wanstead, in Essex, the seat of the Earl of Tylney, where, under the direction of the Reverend Mr. Pound Breton, it was placed in the Park, for the erection of a telescope, the largest then in the world, presented by a French gentleman to the Royal Society.

To Fettle.—What is the derivation of the verb "to fettle?" In the North it means to amend—to repair—to put a thing, which is out of order, into such a state as to effectuate, or to be effectual for, its original, or a given purpose; e.g. a cart out of order is sent to the wheelwright's to be fettled. It has been suggested that the word is a verbalised corruption of the word "effectual." Bailey, in his Dictionary, has designated it as a north country word: but it is evident that he misunderstood its entire meaning; for he has merely "to fettle to," and seems to have been ignorant of the use of the word "fettle" as a verb active. To revert to my former example of its use—An injured cart is fettled by the wheel-wright; the wheelwright fettles the injured cart.

L.C.R.

Greek Verse.—Can any of your readers inform me who is the author of the line—

"[Greek: Pollai men thnaetois glottai, mia d' athanatoisi]?"

C.

Dr. Dee's petition to James I.—"E.F.R." states that he has lately discovered, in the lining of an ancient trunk, two or three curious broadsides, one of which purports to be Dr. Dee's petition to James I., 1604, against the report raised against him, namely, "That he is or hath bin a Conjurer and Caller, or Invocator of Divels." He would be glad to know whether this curious broadside has been printed in any memoir of Dr. Dee.

Vondel's Lucifer.—"F." desires to be informed whether the tragedy or dramatic poem Lucifer, of the Dutch poet Vondel, which has been said to bear some analogy to Paradise Lost, has ever been translated? and if not, why not? The French writer, Alfred de Vigny, in Stella, calls Vondel (Wundel in his spelling) "ce vieux Shakspeare de la Hollande."

Discurs Modest.—In Bishop Andrewes' Reply to the Apology of Bellarmine, chap. i. p. 7, ed. 4to. London, 1610, certain jesuits in prison are reported to have confessed, Rem transubstantiationis patres ne attigisse quidem; as authority for which is quoted Discurs Modest, p. 13. From this work apparently the passage is copied by Jeremy Taylor, Real Presence, sect. 12. § 16; Dissuasive, part i. chap. 1. § 5, and part 2. book 2. sect. 3. 3: also by Cosin on Transubstantiation, chap. 6. § 17. Can any of your readers favour me with a clue to the Modest Discourse?

A.T.

Ptolemy of Alexandria.—"QUERY" wishes to be informed what works of Ptolemy of Alexandria are to be met with in an English translation.

Vanbrugh's London Improvements.—In the London Journal of March 16th, 1722-23, there is the following paragraph:—

"We are informed that Sir John Vanbrugh, in his scheme for new paving the cities of London and Westminster, among other things, proposes a tax on all gentlemen's coaches, to stop all channels in the street, and to carry all the water off by drains and common sewers under ground."

Sir John Vanbrugh was chiefly known as an architect of noblemen's and gentlemen's mansions. Can any of your readers supply me with a reference to any detailed plan, from Sir John, for the general improvement of the metropolis?

B.M.

Becket's Grace-Cup.—The inscription round the neck of this so-called cup, of which a representation is given in No. 1. of Mr. Scott's Antiquarian Gleanings, is thus printed by him—GOD FERARE—: to which he adds, in explanation, "probably the name of the goldsmith." At the foot of an earlier print of this relic, the inscription is given thus—FERARE GOD—and till the appearance of Mr. Scott's version, I had considered the former word as an accidental error of the engraver, instead of FEARE; which would present a moral motto, suiting the SOBRII ESTOTE round the lid.—As Mr. Nichols, in his recent interesting work on Pilgrimages to Walsingham and Canterbury, noticing the misnomer of the cup (p. 229, n.), indicates its date to be of "the early part of the sixteenth century," perhaps some one of your well-informed readers could state if any artist-goldsmith of that era, and of that name, be known.

ALICUI.

Sir Henry Herbert's Office-Book.—I should be glad to know if any of your readers can tell me the "whereabouts" of Sir Henry Herbert's Office-Book, a MS. frequently referred to by Malone, Chalmers, and Collier. Sir Henry Herbert was Master of the Revels to King James the First, and the two succeeding kings, and the said MS. contains an account of almost every piece exhibited at any of the theatres from August, 1623, to the commencement of the rebellion in 1641. Malone, in his Historical Account of the English Stage (edit. Boswell, iii. 57.), says, in a note—

"For the use of this very curious and valuable manuscript I am indebted to Francis Ingram, of Ribbisford, near Bewdley, in Worcestershire, Esq., Deputy Remembrancer in the Court of the Exchequer. It has lately been found in the same old chest which contained the manuscript Memoirs of Lord Herbert of Cherbury, from which Mr. Walpole, about twenty years ago, printed the life of that nobleman, who was elder brother to Sir Henry Herbert."

In another place, Malone adds:—

"This valuable manuscript, having lain for a considerable time in a damp place, is unfortunately damaged, and in a very mouldering condition; however, no material part of it appears to have perished."

Such being the case, it becomes more than ever desirable that this interesting volume should be sought after, and the whole of its contents put on record before its total decay. Surely, if its depositary is known, and accessible, it is well worth the attention of the Shakespeare Society, or some other learned body instituted for the preservation of documents of this nature.

A biographical account of the various persons that have held the appointment of "Master of the Revels," with such particulars of the stage as would necessarily fall in, would form a valuable Prolegomena to the publication of Sir Henry's Office-Book. We have, it is true, much information upon this subject, but in a very scattered form.

I have now before me a list of the "Masters of the Revells," with the dates of their patents, which I beg to transcribe. It is of more than ordinary value, being in the handwriting of Sir Henry Herbert himself, and copied at the back of the worthy knight's "Petition to Charles the Second against the Grant to Killegrew and Davenant to form Two Companies of Players."

"Masters of ye Revells.

EDWARD F. RIMBAULT.

BOOKS AND ODD VOLUMES

WANTED TO PURCHASE

(In continuation of Lists in former Nos.)

1. DR. BROOK TAYLOR'S PERSPECTIVE. 1st edit. 1715.

2. DR. AUSTIN'S CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF THE FIRST SIX BOOKS OF EUCLID. (Date not known.)

3. DR. ABRAHAM ROBERTSON ON RATIO AND PROPORTION. Oxford. 1804.

4. LAWSON'S DISSERTATION ON THE ANALYSIS OF THE ANTIENTS. Edited by Fryer, and printed in Bristol, 1809.—[The particular copy wanted is interleaved with thick paper and MS. alterations by the Editor. It was surreptitiously obtained from its owner; but the books of the person who had it are dispersed.]

Letters, stating particulars and lowest price, carriage free, to be sent to MR. BELL, Publisher of "NOTES AND QUERIES," 186. Fleet Street.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS

It will be seen by our leading article that having been unable to procure by any other means sufficient copies of our early numbers, to supply perfect sets to all who applied for them, we have reprinted Nos. 1. 2. 3. and 4., so that our subscribers have now an opportunity of completing their sets.

Our correspondent who inquired respecting the Life and Diary of Haydon the Painter, is informed that its publication is suspended for the present.

We have to explain to correspondents who inquire as to the mode of procuring "NOTES AND QUERIES," that every bookseller and newsman will supply it if ordered, and that gentlemen residing in the country may be supplied regularly with the Stamped Edition, by giving their orders direct to the publisher, MR. GEORGE BELL, 186. Fleet Street, accompanied by a Post Office order for a Quarter (4s. 4d.).

A neat Case for holding Numbers of "NOTES AND QUERIES" until the completion of each volume, is now ready, price 1s. 6d., and may be had, by Order, of all Booksellers and Newsmen.

We are again compelled to omit many Notes, Queries, and Answers to Queries, as well as Answers to Correspondents.

[Illustration: A pilgrim in a field.]

This day is published, price 6s.,

THE PILGRIMAGES OF WALSINGHAM and CANTERBURY: by DESIDERIUS ERASMUS. Being his Colloquy on Pilgrimage, translated and illustrated with Notes, by JOHN GOUGH NICHOLS, F.S.A.; together with the Colloquy on Rash Vows, and the Characters of Archbishop Warham and Dean Collet, by the same Author.