As fying rank and cognate participles the sense Brixton Hill. slightest acquaintance with phonetics will show how impossible it is. The evidence seems to show that the right form is hargh; cf. Siritis herche, Niandes-hergh, Solh-her, Bret-hargh. The loss of h in a secondarily accented syllable is common; indeed, it is too common even when the syllable contains the primary accent. If this be so, the origin is perfectly obvious. FRANCIS P. MARCHANT. timid, from A.-S. earg or earh, so the form hargh is rightly represented by A.-S. hearh (gen. hearges), cognate with Icel. hörgr. The original sense was a heathen altar or heathen temple; and I suppose there is no reason why there may not once have been a temple or place of worship (once heathen) at the places indicated. THE POET PARNELL (9th S. iv. 495; v. 33).-English Dictionary' derives the adj. argh, Those interested in the Parnell pedigree may like to know that a branch of this family is located in West Haddon. It is found firmly established in the village as far back as 1682, in which year one Thomas Parnell was churchwarden. His name may still be seen carved over the south porch of the church and also inscribed on the third bell. There have been five generations in this branch since then, in each of which the name Thomas Parnell duly appears. JOHN T. PAGE. West Haddon, Northamptonshire, SIR JOHNS (9th S. iv. 534).-Halliwell gives "Sir-John, a priest," with the following quotation: "With much adoe and great difficultie obteined that a poore chapell, served with a single Sir John, and destitute both of font and churchyard, might, remaine standing in the place. Lambard's 'Perambulation,' 1596, p. 317." A writer on 'Parish Registers,' in Fraser's Magazine for 1861, p. 361, says : 'In the registers of this period [middle of sixteenth century] we shall come upon the old terms of 'Sir Knyght' and Sir Prieste.'. whilst in the churchwardens' books we meet with the more familiar phrase 'Sir John' itself." Gainsborough. H. ANDREWS. Again, just as the nom. hearh would become hargh, hergh, argh, ergh in Anglo-French spelling (the scribes constantly dropped initial h), so the case-stem hearg(e) would give Harrow, as in Harrow-on-the-Hill. Why not work by phonetic rules instead of making impossible guesses? WALTER W. SKEAT. "Sock" (9th S. iv. 539; v. 53).-I was aware that "sock" is quite common, but the other form is, I think, not so common; and it was about this that I inquired. MR. RATCLIFFE says he has heard it at Worksop. This is interesting, as proving that it is not purely local, but it does not throw any light on the origin of the prefix. C. C. B. LES DÉTENUS (9th S. iv. 288, 354, 425, 522). -My grandfather, Dr. James CarmichaelSmyth, Physician Extraordinary to the King, was in Paris with his wife and two of his children when Napoleon insulted the English ambassador, declared war against England, and thrust some ten thousand English visitors into French fortresses for ten years. As my grandfather had ten children, mostly under age, his detention would have been an awful calamity. Luckily he had travelled in France in his early days, spoke French well, and, after settling in London to practise his profession, carried on a constant correspondence with eminent physicians in Paris on scientific subjects In his distress he applied for their assistance, which was at once accorded. The President and a dozen other Fellows of the College of Physicians robed themselves and waited on the Governor of Paris, Maréchal Miscellaneous. NOTES ON BOOKS, &c. Balmerino and its Abbey. By James Campbell, D.D. (Blackwood & Sons.) tion of the inhabitants of North-East Fife on seeing the Roman fleet sailing up the Firth of Tay. What was the exact scene of the events depicted, including the battle of Mons Grampius or Granpius, we must leave to the decision of Scottish antiquaries. The discoveries of Roman coins favour, at least, the theory that the Romans were at some period in the north-east of Fife, and the description of the Vernicomes of East Fife as a largelimbed, red-haired race, and other particulars given, have all inherent plausibility. Concerning pagan rites, the Beltane, the washing of the face with May dew, and other traces of sun and fire worship still in a modified form traceable among us, Dr. CampWHAT the world elects to regard as a generation bell has something to say. In the twelfth and has passed since the appearance of the first edition thirteenth centuries what is called parochial hisof Dr. Campbell's 'Balmerino aud its Abbey.' That tory began, and it is in the reign of William the edition, issued in 1867, won respectful recogni- Lion, 1165-1214, that Balmerino is indirectly mention. We have not seen it, however, and cannot tioned. At this time the chronicle portion of the judge what proportion it bears to the portly volume work begins, and we have a consecutive account which now appears. Seven hundred pages, of which of the proprietors of Balmerino, and also of the the present work consists, seen a good many to ancient estate, chapel, and castle of Naughton. bestow upon the history of one parish, however Part II. is occupied with the History of the interesting and important. We are of those, how- Abbey of Balmerino,' the monks of which were ever, who advocate the gathering together of local Cistercian, as were those of Melrose, Cupar Angus, details; and though we concede that much that is Culross, and other institutions. Balmerino Abbey now said concerning the parish of Balmerino, of itself was founded by Queen Ermengarde, the The pages which Dr. Campbell is minister, would be true of second wife of William the Lion. other places, we hold that its publication is justi- describing the foundation of the abbey and supplyfiable and laudable. As regards prehistoric Scot-ing the lives of the consecutive abbots constiland, the information we possess, drawn from tutes the largest, most important, and most articles of various kinds found imbedded in the interesting portion of the volume, and seems soil, though inadequate to our requirements, is worthy of publication at some future date in a trustworthy. Since the appearance of the first separate form. After the battle of Pinkie the abbey edition of Dr. Campbell's work elaborate explora- was surprised and burnt by Admiral Wyndham. tions have been conducted in various parts of Scot- The particulars concerning the assault, ignored land. With these, the testimony of which is until the latter half of the present century, are now practically the same, we find ourselves now and given in the text or in the appendix. In addition again called upon to deal. In the neighbourhood with to the geology and botany of the parish, the appendix which Dr. Campbell is specially concerned, many We have not dealt with the genealogical portions gives many documents of equal value and interest. interesting objects have in recent years been brought to light. In and since 1873, in the highest parts of of the book, which to some will constitute its chief the district, cists have been examined, and the value. The space at our disposal is, however, must leave those interested contents, appetizing rather than satisfying, are occupied, and we now in the private collection of Col. and Mrs. in Scottish genealogies to turn to them. Anstruther Duncan, of Naughton. Still more Campbell has done a sound and important piece recently an ancient cairn on the summit of Green- of work, to the merits of which we gladly bear hill has been explored. A burial cist, obviously tions add to its attractions, and it is in most testimony. Numerous and well-selected illustraconstructed for some important personage, was found. It had, however, been previously opened, respects a model of a parish history. and whatever relics it had contained had been removed. At a previous period many stone coffins had been investigated. Amongst other treasures two pieces of gold of the combined value of 147. had been discovered. It is, of course, from the graves of celebrated personages that the most interesting objects have been obtained. An inquiry into the reason for the interment of these objects would lead us too far. Our readers are, moreover, too well instructed to render comment necessary. Of weapons belonging to the Stone Age, and of the remains of animals consumed for human support, we hear comparatively little, the district supplying apparently no caves which were used as human habitations. A windy day will, however, reveal from under the sand drift flint implements belonging to the neolithic period. Remains also exist of hill forts, which extended along the north of Fife, but we hear nothing of the vitrified forts which are found in other portions of Scotland. Recorded history begins, of course, A.D. 83, with the description by Tacitus in the Agricola' of the consterna Dr. Egyptian Ideas of the Future Life. By E. A. TA fication of the body is not due to a belief that the corpse so treated would live again, but in order that within the carcase thus preserved the spiritual body may germinate. It is impossible for us to present any idea of Dr. Budge's assertions and conjectures. It is obvious that the notions which were entertained by English poets-Butler and Herbert -were as wrong as were before them those of Juvenal in regard to the multiplicity of the deities and of the workmen who are said to Have made the gods they after prayed to. Milton seems, however, to have understood the sufferings and the transformations of Osiris; and the account by Plutarch of Isis and Osiris, whereon, presumably, Milton drew, though the result in part of imagination and misinformation, is of genuine value. How, while the Egyptian religion is monotheistic, it yet included countless gods we must leave Dr. Budge to explain. The book on Egyptian magic will probably interest a larger number of readers. That Egypt has long been regarded as the home of magic students of the Bible are well aware. So early as the fourth dynasty the working of magic was among the Egyptians a recognized art; and it is all but impossible, Dr. Budge thinks, to imagine a time in Egypt when they had not such knowledge. Their control of black magic and of white magic seems to have been equal. To them is due the belief in black powder, by means of which the transmutation of metals was accomplished. To them we owe many quaint and fantastic beliefs which prevail and are practised to this day. Take the idea of the Egyptian magician that it was possible to transmit to the figure of any man, or woman, or animal, or living creature, the soul of the being which it represented, and its qualities and attributes." From this sprang the practice of setting before a fire the figure of a man, commemorated by Rossetti in Sister Helen,' and by other poets. Practices of the kind linger in Italy, and even in England. A heart stuck full of pins was discovered in a chimney of an old house at Staplegrove, and even more recently the melting of a waxen image of a man was followed by the immediate death of the victim. Such, absurd as it may seem, was the avowal of a distinguished writer, who failed to perceive that if what he said was true concerning an action for which he accepted the responsibility he was open to the charge of murder. We are not mentioning this either as a joke or with any belief. The statement was made more than once in our hearing, and may now be read in the life of the writer in question. In aiding to popularize Egyp. tian lore Dr. Budge, who is known to be one of the highest of authorities, is rendering a genuine service. His books may be warmly commended to all whom the study of Egyptology attracts. 66 The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. Edited by Temple Scott. Vol. VIII. (Bell & Sons.) SUCCESSIVE volumes of Temple Scott's edition of Swift appear in irregular order, the latest volume comprising Gulliver's Travels,' edited by Mr. G. Ravenscroft Dennis, B.A. For the use of the worker the present edition will oust all others. It adopts and incorporates all the alterations and additions in the large-paper copy of the first edition of Gulliver' belonging to Swift's friend Ford, and due to Swift himself. All the facts concerning this copy, now in the Forster Collection, South Kensington, are given in the introduction, which, from a literary and bibliographical point of view, is excellent. No attempt at a complete commentary is, fortunately, made, the few notes being, it is hoped, adequate to the elucidation of allusions. Swift, like his predecessor Rabelais, has been the subject of far too much comment, and the reader of one, as of the other, will do well to pay little heed to historical illustrations. These are occasionally, in Swift's case, of use to the imperfectly informed reader. More often they are insignificant, troublesome, or misleading. The latest editor seems to share our opinion. On one occasion he says, à propos of attempted explanations, "Neither of these conjectures is very satisfactory, and it is more probable that Swift had no particular incident in mind, but was attracted by the absurdity of Again, though he ventures to say that "the a solenın refutation of so ludicrous a scandal." Queen of Brobdingnag is probably intended to represent the Princess of Wales"-O those he finds himself compelled commentators! add, "The King, however, bears little resemblance to the Prince, who was afterwards George II." A reperusal of 'Gulliver' convinces one that, witty as it is, it is almost the saddest book in the world. In a letter to Pope, quoted in "The chief end I the introduction, Swift says, propose to myself in all my labours is to vex the world rather than divert it, and if I could compass that design without hurting my own person or fortune, I would be the most indefatigable writer you have ever seen." And again, "I have ever Well might Coleridge say that Swift was "the soul hated all nations, professions, and communities." of Rabelais habitans in sicco. to 66 retold Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. (Nutt.) THIS Middle-English Arthurian romance, in Modern Prose, with Introduction and Notes, by Jessie L. Weston," is the first of Mr. Nutt's attractive series of Arthurian romances unrepresented in Malory's 'Morte d'Arthur.' It consists of a prose rendering of a supposedly unique MS. of the fourteenth century in the Cottonian Collection in the British Museum. It tells in agreeable language a strange story of the "typical English hero," as Miss Weston calls Sir Gawain, and shows him a very loyal, pure, and constant knight. Curious pictures of society in the period dealt with are given, and the tale will commend itself to the folk-lorist and the poet. We have read few of these Arthurian legends with more pleasure, and commend warmly Mr. Nutt's charming series, the appearance of which is attractive. The designs by M. M. Crawford constitute a distinct enhancement of delight. Wimborne Minster and Christchurch Priory. By the Rev. Thomas Perkins, M.A. (Bell & Sons.) WE own to a little apprehension lest the useful, convenient, and excellent "Cathedral Series" of Messrs. Bell & Sons should have come to a close with the death of its editor, Mr. Gleeson White, whose share in the undertaking is visible in the cover as well as in the contents. Our fears are set at rest by the appearance of the present volume, which, without belonging to the series itself, constitutes one of the companion volumes which already comprise 'Beverley Minster' and 'St. Martin's Church, Canterbury.' Few of our English ecclesiastical edifices are more interesting or more beautiful than the two fanes dealt with in the present volume. Though situated in different counties, they are to this extent neighbours, that both are within easy reach of a walk from Bournemouth, to which, in fact, the Christchurch Priory belongs. The days of our pilgrimage to Wimborne Minster are not likely to be forgotten, and we can only hope that they may be renewed when we can replace the information of gossiping guides or vergers by Mr. Perkins's excellent volume. All that can add interest and instruction to a visit is therein to be found, and there are capital views from photographs and other sources of the Minster at various epochs. In addition to representations of the exterior, many of the monuments, the Beaufort and Etricke tombs, the Uvedale monument, the relic chest, &c., are shown, and there is a good picture of the very interesting library of chained books, which we remember inspecting. Let the reader specially note what is said (p. 47) about "houseling linen" in connexion with Hamlet's Unhouseled, disappointed, unaneled. We know few if any architectural views lovelier or more impressive than that of Christchurch Priory, with the ruins of the castle and other ancient buildings as seen from the bridge. Mr. Perkins's book brings back the charm of this exquisite Norman edifice, and inspires a profound longing to see it again beneath the changing summer sunshine. Among his illustrations are views of the choir, the reredos, the Salisbury Chantry, the Draper Chantry, the sacristy, and one of the quaint and finely executed miserero carvings of the early fourteenth century. The Hampstead Annual, 1899. Edited by Greville E. Matheson and Sydney C. Mayle. (Mayle.) THIS attractive annual deals with the Hampstead of past days, and contains many contributions of deep interest to the residents in this highest and most salubrious of London suburbs. Prof. Hales opens out the volume with an account of "The King of Bohemia,' as a public-house in Hampstead is named. Dr. Garnett follows with Notes on some Poets connected with Hampstead'-Keats, Leigh Hunt, and Joanna Baillie. Canon Ainger devotes a paper to 'Mrs. Gillies,' and Mr. John Danvers one to 'Constable at Hampstead.' Mr. Nevinson's 'Some Hampstead Nonentities' gives a pleasant picture of domestic life. The book is illustrated with portraits and views of spots of interest, the latter showing what sad alterations have been made in this, till now, least molested of suburbs. If, as its name denotes, the publication is to be continued, we would only suggest, as a frequent visitor to Hampstead, the giving of further indications by which spots of interest can be recognized. AMONG the books in preparation at the Clarendon Press may be mentioned the following: Celtic Folk-lore: Welsh and Manx,' by John Rhys,-'A Translation into Modern English of King Alfred's O.E. Version of Boethius,' by W. J. Sedgefield,King Horn,' edited by Joseph Hall,The Complete Works of John Gower,' edited from the MSS., with introductions, notes, and glossaries, by G. C. Macaulay, Vols. II. and III. (English Works), 'The Canon of Chaucer,' by W. W. Skeat,-Dryden's 'Critical Essays,' edited by W. P. Ker,-"Plays and Poems of Robert Greene,' edited by J. Churton Collins, The Works of Thomas Kyd,' edited by F. S. Boas,-Milton's Poetical Works, edited by H. C. Beeching,-'Bosworth's Anglo-Saxon Dictionary: Supplement,' by T. N. Toller,-A New English Dictionary,' founded mainly on the materials collected by the Philological Society, and edited by Dr. Murray; portions of G by Henry Bradley, and of I by James A. H. Murray, A French Grammar,' by A. H. Wall,- The Alfred Jewel,' by John Earle, illustrated, 'Asser's Life of Alfred,' edited by W. H. Stevenson, - Voyages of the Elizabethan Seamen,' edited by E. J. Payne, Series II., and Burnet's History of My Own Time,' Vol. II. (to the end of the reign of Charles II.), edited by Osmund Airy. 'A Among the catalogues in preparation are: Catalogue of the Turkish, Hindustânî, and Pushtu MSS. in the Bodleian Library,' by H. Ethé, Part II.; A Catalogue of the Armenian MSS. in the Bodleian Library,' by S. Baronian,- A Summary Catalogue of Bodleian MSS.,' by F. Madan, Vols. V. and VI.,— and Catalogue of the Rawlinson MSS. (D) in the Bodleian Library,' by W. D. Macray, Part V. (Index). Notices to Correspondents. We must call special attention to the following notices: ON all communications must be written the name and address of the sender, not necessarily for publication, but as a guarantee of good faith. WE cannot undertake to answer queries privately. To secure insertion of communications correspondents must observe the following rules. Let each note, query, or reply be written on a separate slip of paper, with the signature of the writer and such address as he wishes to appear. When answering queries, or making notes with regard to previous entries in the paper, contributors are requested to put in parentheses, immediately after the exact, heading, the series, volume, and page or pages to which they refer. Correspondents who repeat queries are requested to head the second communication "Duplicate." J. H. L.-"Brewers' entire" means entirely drawn from one butt, as formerly the favourite beer was a mixture of two separate fluids (see 1st S. ix. 235). THE propounder of the query as to Army Rank' on p. 47 wishes, of course, for early references. NOTICE. Editorial Communications should be addressed to "The Editor of 'Notes and Queries """-Advertisements and Business Letters to "The Publisher' at the Office, Bream's Buildings, Chancery Lane, E. C. We beg leave to state that we decline to return communications which, for any reason, we do not print; and to this rule we can make no exception. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION BY POST. For Twelve Months 000 0 10 3 LONDON, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1900. CONTENTS. - No. 111. NOTES:-King Alfred': a Long Poem-Letter from Lord lines. The title is 'Alfred,' not 'King Alfred.' Vol. i. (1808) is dedicated by permission to the king. 66 'an Herculean labour, which had it been found in the centre of the loftiest pyramid of Egypt might have been considered as a specimen well worthy of the massive character of that land of wonders, and of the shrine in which it was inclosed." Roscoe, in his preface to the Pickering Derby, 101-Eliza Meteyard-Cyclops or Cyclop City edition, in which he does not mention the of Lushington," 103-Regimental Nicknames-Rubbing Eyes with Gold for Luck-Horse-Gentler" "Wig- first edition, excepting that he speaks of the wam": "Tepee"-Box-irons-Coincidence in Names-first volume having been called in by Fitchett, Orientation of Churches, 101-Eighteenth-Century Advertisement Competition-Word Corruption-Literature for refers to the poem as Soldiers, 105-A Son of George II.-Lucan Quotation-A Bulgarian Bard, 106. QUERIES:-"Hurry" Staith "Hirst" GovernorGeneral of Madras-Sir H. Linthorne-St. HierethaLytes of Lytes Cary-"See how these Christians love one another" Highland Incantation, 107 Proverbs in 'Jacula Prudentum "Irish Fearagurthok" Davis Arms-"Nostoc "-Poker Virtue - "Bottle," St. Paul's Churchyard-Sir A. Keck-Empress Eugénie-Drawings by Sir J. Gilbert, 108-Classical Reference Wanted-John Thurbane-Haydon's Pictures-Authors Wanted, 109. REPLIES:-Welsh MS. Pedigrees, 109-Bill of ExchangeEgyptian Chessmen-Marriage Gift, 111-Name SwiggAfrican Names-"Hoyt "-"Hoodock"-St. Michael's Church, Bassishaw, 113-Pewter Marks-" Thé Beurré " Wroth Silver," 112-Old Church at Chingford-South The Mint-Number of Baronets in each Reign-New Critical Review of Public Buildings,' &c., 114 Norman Gizer"-Bensted Family-Emery Family-Shepherdess Walk-Misquotation, 115-The late Mr. Quaritch-The Discoverer of Photography, 116-" Petigrewe," 117. NOTES ON BOOKS :-Piper's Church Towers of Somerset-Upper Norwood Athenæum Record '-' Lambkin's Remains-Reviews and Magazines. Notices to Correspondents. 'KING ALFRED,' BY FITCHETT: IN 1897 (8th S. xi. 498) appeared a note on Dr. Beaumont, in which the writer (R. R.) =spoke of 'Psyche; or, Love's Mystery,' as one of the longest poems in the English language. As to length a Warrington poet has far surpassed Beaumont. 'Psyche (second edition, 1702) has twenty-four cantos, making, including the arguments, only 38,688 lines. 'King Alfred,' a poem by John Fitchett, is in forty-eight books, containing in all 131,150 lines. The last book (2,585 lines) was written by Robert Roscoe, who edited Fitchett's poem after the latter's death, and wrote the forty-eighth book to complete the work, Fitchett having failed to exhaust his subject in 128,565 lines. The poem was published by Pickering in 1841 in 6 vols. 8vo. An incomplete edition was printed in Warrington by J. Haddock, and then J. & J. Haddock, for #Cadell, Davies, and others, 5 vols. 4to., 1808-34. These quartos were, I believe, never published, but given to friends. The quarto poem was divided into twenty-two books. The shortest book has 863 lines, the longest 23,045 Mr. Madeley, the librarian of the Warrington Museum and Library, gives the number as 131,238. Allibone does not say anything about Fitchett, but says, under 'Robert Roscoe,' that he "was the author of 'Alfred, an Epic Poem,"" whereas he wrote no more than 2,585 lines of 'King Alfred.' A copy of the incomplete edition was bought by the Warrington Museum and Library in 1882 at Sotheby's, when the library of the late John Fitchett Marsh, formerly of Fairfield House, Warrington, and late of Hardwick House, Chepstow, was sold. Our library also possesses a copy of the second edition (not called second edition). Mr. Marsh was a nephew of Fitchett, and at one time his partner in the locally well-known firm of Fitchett & Marsh, solicitors, Warrington. Probably 'King Alfred' is the longest poem in the English language, perhaps in any language. The Warrington Library in its collection of local books has also the manuscript of 'Alfred,' as well as several minor poems of Fitchett, published or printed mostly at Warrington. Fitchett was born at Liverpool, 21 Sept., 1776, and died at Warrington, 20 Oct., 1838. See 'Profiles of Warrington Worthies,' collected, &c., by James Kendrick, M.D., Warrington, 1853. The poem ought not to be estimated by its weight, though doubtless it is very heavy, but rather by its length. In the MS. the lines average at least six inches. Taking that as the length per line, the total length would be a little over 12 miles 3 furlongs. A critique of this portentous poem appeared in the Spectator of 20 April, 1844. The writer confesses that he has only dipped into 'King Alfred.' There is a good deal about Fitchett and his works in the Palatine Note - Book, vol. ii. p. 168. ROBERT PIERPOINT. St. Austin's, Warrington. LETTER FROM LORD DERBY TO in 1840 the art of epistolary correspondence |