quity of families, and particularly of that of Tyrell, which, it was said, was not only traceable to the Norman Conquest, but held a high position at that period; and the well-known story of William Rufus having been slain by an arrow from Sir Walter Tyrrell's bow was cited as confirmation of the assertion. But, upon the prince of novelists having expressed grave doubts as to the authenticity of that fact, the worthy descendant of the knight was so nettled at any scepticism of the fond traditions of his house, that he somewhat fiercely exclaimed, "Then next, I suppose, you will say that we did not smother the princes in the Tower!" My informant stated that Sir Walter merely bowed, and that the discussion was thus abruptly terminated. COILLUS.

The Temple.

BEETLE OR WEDGE.-In Caxton's translation of Reynard the Foxe, chap. viii. we read that Lantfert the carpenter had brought into his yard a grete oke, whiche he had begonne to cleue, and as men be woned he had smeten two betels therin, one after that other, in suche wyse the oke was wyde open"; and in the next page, when Bruyn had put his heed ouer his eeris in to the clyft of the tree," Reynard "brak out the betle," so that poor Bruyn 66 was fast shette in the tree." In the copy in the King's Library at the British Museum, the word which is here used in the sense of wedge has been in both places struck out with a pen and "wegge" written over "in an old and apparently a contemporary hand," as Mr. Thoms says in a note on p. 15 of his reprint. The "would-be " corrector evidently supposed that Caxton had inadvertently put one word for the other, but a reference to the Dutch from which he translated, proves this to be only one of the many curious examples that might be given of the extreme accuracy with which Caxton followed his original: "So had hi daer twee beytels in gheslagen," and in the second passage, "ende brac die beitele vter eycken." It is remarkable that in the Dutch (or Flemish) language beytel (or beitel) always signifies a chisel or wedge ("Ciseau; Kloofbeitel, coin; outil à fendre du bois," Halma, Diet. Flamand), while in English the word which so nearly resembles it is only used to denote the mallet with which the wedge is "smeten in."

FR. NORGATE.

CRANNOGES. However ancient such structures may have been, I can confirm MR. PINKERTON'S statement (antè, p. 230) that their use is modern no less. In the year 1817, in the county of Fermanagh, such a place of abode, on a small island only accessible by a boat, was used in the manufacture of illicit whisky. O. T. DOBBIN. "ENDEAVOUR" AS AN ACTIVE VERB.-That endeavour may be used as a reflective verb was fully

shown by a writer in 2nd S. v. 50. Of course "I (you) endeavour myself (yourself) to act" does not settle the question, but "I endeavour me to act" is decisive.

I marvel that the "active" use, pointed out so long ago as 1850 (1st S. i. 373) by C. Forbes, has not been illustrated. So I endeavour illustration. The passages which I send are copied from a note, written on the margin of the page containing C. Forbes's communication. I have little doubt but that they might be multiplied:

YANKEE CIDER AND BLESSED CUSHIONS.

Hinchliff, in his South American Sketches (pp. 9, 10), thus remarks:

"After about three hours' walk (at Bird Island) in the hottest part of the day, we were glad to get back to the town, and take shelter in a queer little store called the Café Bilhar, where we refreshed ourselves with a bottle of good Yankee cider, and waited till it was time to go on board. The billiard-table was unluckily hors de combat; if it had been blessed with cushions, we might have tried a game in spite of the filthiness of the cloth."

A tumbler of good American cider, though it is apt to be acid in hot climates, is a most refreshing beverage; but the author has not given the correct address where he procured it. Café Bilhar cannot be translated, for the reason that an e between the two words has been omitted. Café e Bilhar is more intelligible, and so it is on the signboard-café and billiard-table. It has been our fortune, good, bad, or indifferent, to have seen many things blessed, from a bell to a donkey, which had been rigged up in many coloured ribbons before being taken in front of the church where the ceremony was to be performed; but "blessed," as applied to the cushions of a dirty billiard-table with a filthy cloth, is a singular expression, as new to us in this neighbourhood as it may be to your readers.

Malta.

W. W.

STALACTITES AND STALAGMITES.I do not know, Mr. Editor, whether you will embalm the note I now send you as a geological mnemonic or as a Transatlantic witticism, for it appears to me

that it will suit for either. A friend of mine lately visited the famous Mammoth Cave of Kentucky. The attendant was a negro, possessing no small share of that sense of the comic which is a characteristic of his race, and who gave my friend the following etymological distinction between stalactites and stalagmites. Whether it was original with him I do not know:

"Dem," said he, pointing to the roof of the cave, "is stalactites, 'cos if dey was not tight dey'd be berry certin to fall down; and dese "-pointing to the floor-" might be stalactites, but as dey is not, dey is ob corse stalagmites."

Dublin.

ACHENDE.

REV. WM. COLE, D.D.-I have in my possession an extremely rare, if not unique, etching of the Rev. William Cole, D.D., President of Corpus Christi College, Oxford, and at the time of his death Dean of Lincoln, which settles a fact not mentioned in the account of him in either Antony à Wood's Athena Oxonienses, or in the family pedigree in Wood's MSS. in the Ashmolean Museum, or in the biographical dictionaries. I therefore offer it for the benefit of future compilers of such works, and also of those interested in the divines of the Reformation. The portrait in question is a small 4to, 53 in. x 5 in., and is vigorously though rudely executed. It states that "Eliza Gulitor fecit;" and represents the persecuted (and by Antony à Wood maligned) scholar in a skull-cap, gown, and the ruffled collar of the period. His face, elongated and indicative of privations suffered during his "exile [at Frankfort and Zurich] for conscience' sake in Queen Mary's reign," is slightly turned to his right, and exhibits a moustache and a small pointed beard. In the right corner-i. e. to the left of the head-is the information alluded to, "A. Dal 1597, ætatis suæ 75;" and on the other side is a shield of his arms, vert, on a bend cottised three fleur-de-lis arg.

From a careful examination of much that bears on his history, I feel pretty certain that he was born at or in the neighbourhood of Grantham, in Lincolnshire; and that he received his early education at the Grammar School in that town, which had been shortly previous founded by Bishop Fox, and affiliated to Corpus Christi College. Thither Cole proceeded, in due course graduated, and in after years became, on Queen Elizabeth's nomination, its first married president. J. E. C.

Easthorpe Court, Wigtoft.

"TO SLEEP LIKE A TOP."-The following appeared in The Times of the 30th September last, addressed to the "Editor" by Professor Malvoisin : “Sir,-In illustration of your article of the 26th inst., page 8, column 3, where you doubt whether the English expression, To sleep like a top,' may rightly be derived from the French dormir comme une taupe, permit me to

add that you seem to me to be very much authorized to contest it, for we have in French another proverbial form much more used than the alleged one dormir comme une taupe, and that is, dormir comme un sabot. Now, in this expression we use, of course, the word sabot with the meaning of the English whipping top, toupie being used only for the spinning top. It seems, therefore, to be the more certain that both expressions correspond exactly, from this very circumstance, that the French language uses more frequently that word of the two, which is the less similar to the English top, saying dormir comme un sabot rather than dormir comme une toupie. It is, then, the same idea, rather than the same sound, that induced parison. Another evidence may be taken from this fact, both Englishmen and Frenchmen to use the same comthat we say in a similar manner, il ronfle comme un sabot, or comme une toupie (he snores like a top).

"I am, Sir, your obedient servant, "EDOUARD MALVOISIN, Professor in Paris.* " 4 Rue Berthollet, Paris, Sept. 27."

LIOM F.

SEALS, WHEN INTRODUCED INTO ENGLAND. It is stated, in Boutell's Heraldry, Historical and Popular, and also in Godwin's English Archæologist's Handbook, that seals were not introduced into England till the reign of Edward the Confessor. Now this is certainly wrong: for, besides the seal of Ethilwald, Bishop of Dunwich A.D. 850 (mentioned by me in "N. & Q.," 3rd S. xii. 167), there were at the Abbey of St. Denis, in France, genuine charters of Offa and Ethelwulf, sealed with their seals, representing their porOne of Edgar is a bust in profile. traits.

JOHN PIGGOT, JUN. SCOTCH SETTLERS IN ULSTER.-Until I read the following statement by MR. O'CAVANAGH, in the last number of "N. & Q." (p. 311), I had always supposed that these were Lowlanders, and, therefore, not Gaels-"the descendants of the Gael of Scotland, originally from Ireland, planted by James I. in Ulster." I must own that I still retain my original opinion, but I am open to conviction on the production of any satisfactory evidence to the contrary. I am perfectly aware, however, that the idea of identifying the "Tartan array" with the national dress of Scotland has become more prevalent in the "Black North" than on this side of the Channel.

Some score of years ago I was taken to a café chantant-the Oxford of Belfast-when, on a young lady appearing on the stage in a very fanciful checkered dress, one of my friends observed to me: "Oh, here is your Scottish Anthem." I must own that, till that moment, I was not aware that we possessed such a thing. I expected either "Blue Bonnets over the Border," or "Scots wha hae," to the tune of "Hey tutti taitti." You may guess my surprise when the fair songstress favoured us (I must say in most capital style) with Hogg's "Donald Macdonald." How it would have gladdened the old shepherd's heart! for,

[* See also "N. & Q." 2nd S. viii. 53, 97.]

BIRD AND POVEY FAMILIES.-Will any reader of "N. & Q." kindly inform me anything concerning the ancestors and descendants of Christopher Bird, living (1605) at Staindon, who had a son Thomas living 1634, and of Laurance Povey living 1605? He married Jane, daughter of Thomas More. Any information concerning the above may be addressed to H. A. B., Mr. Lewis's, 136, Gower Street, Euston Square.

LIEUTENANT BRACE.-In the year 1749, at the Worcester Spring Assizes, Lieutenant Brace was tried and found guilty of killing a watchman in a drunken brawl. What was the fate of Brace ? Was he executed? P. P. THOMAS CHESTER, Bishop of Elphin 1580-4, died at Killiathar June 1584. Can you tell me in what Irish registry his will or administration would probably be found? SWEETCARE.

HENRY WM. COLE.-Can any of your correspondents give an account of Henry William Cole, of whom I have an 8vo engraving?

It bears the date of 1791, and has at the foot these armorial ensigns: On a mantle a shield arg. charged with a double-headed eagle displayed (qy. ppr.), dimidiated by being impaled with, per bend gu. and or, a bend vert between five estoiles (3 and 2) of the field counterchanged, and surmounted by a knight's helmet having thereon a crest of the Prince of Wales' feathers. The print has evidently formed either a frontispiece or an illustration to some work, but I do not find in the catalogues of our public libraries any one of these Christian and surnames as an author, nor mention made of him in the biographical dictionaries. The arms given are not assigned to any family of

the above name in the armories or works on heraldry with which I am acquainted.

J. E. C.

CROWN PRESENTATIONS. I should be glad to know how it is that the crown presents to vacancies made by crown promotions; whether it be one of the papal prerogatives that were transferred to the crown, and on what grounds the power originally was or is still claimed and exercised.

The College, Hurstpierpoint.

J. T. F.

BARON D'AUNNEAU. Where is any information to be found concerning Baron D'Aunneau, a Dutchman who is said to have been slain near Nottingham during the great civil war ? Where was he killed, and at what date? See Royal Martyrs, a broadside "printed by Tho. Newcomb, living in Thames-street over against Baynards Castle, 1660." The copy from which I quote is No. 537 of the Society of Antiquaries' Collection. EDWARD PEACOCK.

book of Berks, Bucks, and Oxon, under his account DORCHESTER, CO. OXFORD.-In Murray's Handof Dorchester, is the following:

"There is an old and existing belief that no viper will live in the parish of Dorchester."

Where did this saying originate?

At

S. BEISLY. MONSIEUR DE Joux.-This gentleman was the first French teacher in Dollan Academy, a celebrated educational establishment in Scotland. the time he was appointed, about 1824, he represented himself to be a Lutheran clergyman, but on returning to France became Roman Catholic, and published a work giving, so far as I can recollect, an amusing account of Scottish manners, particularly in religious matters. Can any of your correspondents give the title of this work, which was put into my hands by the head of the Jesuits at Naples as ably defending the Catholic faith? Is the subsequent history of Monsieur de Joux known? He had a son Gideon, who, I have understood, became a clergyman in the Church of England, and published a volume of Sermons. The work respecting which I inquire was published in Paris about the end of 1825.

AN ETCHING QUERY.-Is there any kind of ink which can be used freely with the pen on paper, and will afterwards "set off" on an ordinary etching ground laid on copper, if passed through the rolling press? I find that the red chalk recommended in books gives only a very coarse outline. As an amateur wood-engraver, find a drawing on ordinary paper with copying ink "sets off" capitally on a wood-block, and saves an immense deal of trouble in tracing, rething that will do equally well with copper. versing, &c. I am very anxious to hit on some

F. M. S.

"GIVING LAW" OR "GIVING A LITTLE LAW." What is the origin of this phrase as used by sportsmen in the sense of giving game a start? Ä

quarter of an hour is the utmost extent of "law" which many an anxious hostess allows the most favoured guest. M. Y. L.

LONG TONGUE.-A discussion having recently arisen as to the correct origin of this term, it has been resolved to appeal to "N. & Q.," being perfectly satisfied that the decision, whatever it may be, will be fair to the fair sex, which it so closely concerns. Some say it originated from the long and marvellous stories told by travellers; that is, shooting with a long bow." Others, not so gallant, assert that it had its origin because the tongue of a woman, when "set in motion," is the nearest approach to perpetual motion which has yet been discovered. While others again, still more ungallant, stoutly maintain that the expression was first known from the statement of a

crabbed old man, who said that, before marriage, his wife was so amiable, kind, and silent, that he thought she had no tongue; but to his sorrow he had found it long enough ever since. W. W. Malta.

CHARLES MATHEWS THE ELDER. -The monologue entertainments of C. Mathews were published in former times by John Duncombe, Middle Row, Holborn; who is now dead, and his shop occupied by some other business. Can anyone inform me where these printed accounts can now be obtained? I am anxious to procure a copy, especially of the Mail Coach Adventures, published at 2s. T. W. R.

MEDICAL QUERY.-On entering an old woman's cottage in this parish yesterday, I found her crouching over the fire, and looking very wretched, and the following conversation ensued: "Why, Mary, you look very miserable; what's the matter with you to-day?" "Oh! indeed, Sir, I be very bad, I've got a rising of the lights." "Indeed, I am sorry for that, it must be a terrible business indeed; but what have you done for it?" "Why, Sir, I've taken the only thing as they do tell me will cure it; I taken some shot." Taken shot, have you; and how many did you take in a dose ?" "Well, I've taken four at a time, Sir; but, 'deed, I don't find as they have done me any good at all yet."

Now, as all human nature is subject to the same infirmities of the flesh, I should be glad to know

1. What may be the special disease known as "Rising of the lights"?

2. Did the old lady's remedy fail from her taking too large or too small a charge?

3. Would you in this case recommend dusk or duck shot? C. Y. CRAWLEY.

Taynton.

NAME WANTED of the bishop or bishopric that bore or bears the following arms:-"Azure, a

chevron or, between two bulls' heads, argent, couped and looking to the right, and a lamb lying on a mount, both of the third." The shield is

handsomely garnished and lies over two crossed crosiers, and is surmounted by a mitre. Motto, (which is copper-plate, 7×6 inches) are these conPATIENTER." In the corner of the engraving tracted words, very small: "L: fruytiers f: Antv." The last word looks something like "Antwerp." I shall be much obliged to any of your correspondents who will be kind enough to give me the name I want. Perhaps D. P. can help me again? JOHN DAVIDSON.

OLD SAYING.-"One forse one cannot but say." Was this a common form of speech in or about the seventh century? R.

FRENCH PORTRAIT. · A friend of mine has a

life-size portrait in oil of a lady in very light though rich attire, the lower limbs being much exposed and plunged in a bath or lake of limpid water, in which are growing plants of the fleurde-lis or iris. The person from whom my friend obtained the portrait described it as a likeness of Madame du Barry attired as a water-nymph; but as a child is depicted by her side, who is evidently her daughter, I am inclined to consider it a portrait of Madame de Pompadour. The name of the painter, "Lutinville," and the date, 1753, are given on the picture itself, and I shall feel obliged by any account of this artist which can be afforded by your correspondents. M. D.

PRIOR: PSALM LXXXVIII.—The editor of Select Psalms in Verse, &c. (Hatchard, 1811), says of the following version of this psalm :

The imitation of Psalm lxxxviii. is ascribed to Prior, in a small collection of Sacred Poems, printed at Edin

burgh, 1751, under the title of Considerations on the 88th Psalm. These fine stanzas, and his paraphrase of St. Paul's exhortation to Charity, make us regret that this excellent poet did not more frequently invoke Urania. The paraphrase, which is one of the best pieces of sacred poetry in our language, has always been greatly admired, and is pronounced by Johnson to be eminently beautiful."

Does the version appear in any of Prior's early editions, or was it contributed by him to any of the miscellanies? The earliest copy of it I have seen is in A Collection of Psalms and Hymns, 1738: —

"PSALM LXXXVIII.

"Heavy, O Lord, on me thy judgments lie,
And cursed I am, for God neglects my cry.
O Lord, in darkness and despair I groan;
And every place is hell; for God is gone.
O Lord arise, and let thy beams controul
Those horrid clouds that press my frighted soul;
O rise and save me from eternal night,
Thou art the God of light.
"Downward I hasten to my destined place;
There none obtain thy aid, none sing thy praise.
Soon I shall lie in death's deep ocean drown'd.
Is mercy there? is sweet forgiveness found?