The lines "In twice two hundred years the Bear, &c., appeared in N. & Q.' for Aug. 5, 1854 (p. 104), and were quoted from The Bristol Mirror, which stated that the lines were taken "from an old volume of predictions written in the fifteenth century, and now in the possession of a gentleman residing at Chard, Somerset." The contributor to N. & Q.' thought that the prophecy had "evident marks of modern fabrication about it," and asked that the world might know "who the gentleman referred to is," or at all events that the full title of the book might be supplied. industries and machines and town life are making great alterations. How far some of the similes are derived from book-learning rather than observation of life it is difficult to decide. Human nature remains pretty much what it was, and various countries and epochs offer instances of obvious comparisons which belonged and still belong to the world at large. Tennyson's "softer than sleep," quoted p. 266, is a direct translation of Virgil's " mollior," which again goes back to Theocritus. The average English mind prefers to say as soft as swansdown, or butter, or putty. somno the production of his book, which is a pity. Mr. Svartengren seems to have hurried over Its arrangement is sometimes irritating; and a wrong reference in one instance took us some time to correct. to him, though His English is very creditable spelling are numerous. naturally enough - slips in logical matters is good, and his book as a whole His judgment in philois full of curious and interesting things, obscured often by popular misunderstanding, vagueness in allusion, or the lapse of time. The number of local characters who did odd things and got into sayings is large. They play a bigger part in these There may be heaven, &c. similes than the great events of history. Fashions The two lines are correctly quoted, with the of the past are revealed in the amount of similes exception that Browning wrote earth, not "life"; for melancholy, and the virtues attributed to the and they occur at the end of his poem Time's milkmaid, which Mr. Svartengren finds excessive. Revenges,' being the ninth in the series of The fashions of the future seem to depend on what he calls C. R. MoORE. respectless American humour. Disrespectful would be current English. No reply seems to have been given to this appeal. G. B. W. 6. Dramatic Romances. (J. R. H. also thanked for replies.] Notes on Books. Intensifying Similes in English: Inaugural Dis- We shall do the best service, we think, by noting points which have struck us in reading through the book. Some surprise is expressed at the phrase as merry as Momus," since that god was a depreciator; but nearly all primitive humour is malicious-a sense of superiority in view of the defects of others. an elephant" "As vindictive as is noted. Lytton in 'Kenelm Chillingly has as vindictive as a parrot.' There is an instructive little excursus on drinking, of which the tinker and the foreigner are accused, or a man in the next county. These compliments between adjacent counties the present reviewer has often heard. "As lazy as Lawrence" is a reference to a tortured saint, which is as odd as anything here. "As brave as a lion is not a good simile, suggests Sir Rider Haggard in The Holy Flower,' one of his African stories. The buffalo, he says, would suit the position better, and would be alliterative too, which is an important element in these similes. "As white as a sheet" reminds us that a blanket was originally a little white thing. "As black as ebony," used of a negro, takes us back to Lamb's phrase "images of God in ebony," which he took from Fuller in The Holy State and the Profane State,' book ii., chap. xxi. "As quick as thought has not apparently been found between 1658 and Thackeray. This must, we think, be an accident of search. Lately we have come across quicker than thought in chap. v. of The Last of the Mohicans,' 1826. Regarding a dead lift, as sure as sexton," the compiler asks, "In what way is the sexton surer than other things or people?" The phrase seems clearly to imply the sexton's duties at a grave, to which all must come. "As fast as hops is puzzling, but may mean "as fast as BOOKSELLERS' CATALOGUES. they grow," a concise expression for which parallels could be quoted. Right as rain and as a trivet are both obscure. SenseMR. WILLIAM GLAISHER's December Catalogue shifting between adjective and noun is shown in of Publishers' Remainders contains illustrated as good as gold," where the "good " refers to books of travel and exploration in many parts of behaviour. But guinea goud," p. 316, is the world, besides works on big-game shooting in "gold," not "good," as it is made on p. 487. Burma and Rhodesia. Some foreign phrases are cited, such as the just now are Moorhouse's collection of Letters Books of special interest German " as cold as a tailor." The suggestion of the English Seamen, 1587-1808,' reaching from that a tailor has only the vitality and warmth of a ninth of a man is fanciful for Mr. Svartengren. Fathom Five,' a sea anthology in prose and verse, the Armada to Trafalgar (3s. 6d.); and 'Full We take the phrase to refer to the tailor's seden-compiled by Helen and Lewis Melville (1s. 3d.), tary work in a cramped position, which makes Mr. G. L. Apperson's for a poor circulation. We think Mr. Svartengren is right about "dead as a doornail," but he should have made a reference to "cold as a wagon tire." The cold metal suggests the cold, dead body. When imagination fails, we find a phrase like as right as right " or " as near as near.' There is also "6 as near as a techer," which is recorded here, and which we know from rustic talk. Another variety from the same source which may please Mr. Svartengren is as nigh as nigth,' which we take to be as near as nearness, 46 nigth" being a noun like " height." The whole book is full of entertainment for the student, and we congratulate the author on carrying it through so well. Stories from the Christian East. By Stephen Gaselee. (Sidgwick & Jackson, 3s. 6d. net.) MR. GASELEE by his translation of these stories from Coptic, Nubian, Ethiopic, Greek, and Latin has provided a real Christmas treat. Here we may see our old friend Androcles transformed into an abbot, while the lion forswears his diet of flesh and bones in favour of bread and boiled vegetables; and though he is accused of eating the donkey belonging to the monastery, and, as a punishment, made to do the donkey's work, he eventually clears his character, and at length dies of grief when he realizes that his old benefactor has passed away. Some of the stories inculcate the merits of almsgiving by relating how gold pieces are miraculously provided for those who, having given to the poor, find themselves afterwards in need of assistance; and others furnish awful warnings against dealing with the Evil One, or forgetting what is due to a saint, or meddling with sacred things. Readers who have been interested by Prof. Bensly's note, ante, p. 325, on Mohammed and the mountain, will be glad to know that an Ethiopic saint proved himself more powerful than either Mohammed or the Persian wonder-worker. For when Takla Haymanot adjured a tree in which a devil dwelt, "Be thou torn up by thy roots and come hither, so that all the people may see the power of my God," the tree came up and moved towards the holy man, and as it walked a number of people died from fear. The chronicler evidently desired to impress his readers with a sense of his veracity and exactness, for he goes on to record that on the morrow Takla Haymanot baptized "six hundred thousand and fifty-nine-all the people of Katata: except one." What happened to that one must be read in Mr. Gaselee's delightfully smooth and easy English version, though it seems rather hard on the saint that he should die of the plague after living, ninety-nine years and eight months. are Gleanings after Time' (1s. 9d.) should also appeal to readers of N. & Q.' MR. JOHN GRANT sends from Edinburgh his Annual Catalogue, in which the books arranged under authors' names, and again under more than fifty classified headings, such as Anthologies, Biography, Classical Literature, Folk-Lore, Sport, and Travel. Following these are sections devoted to Scottish Literature and Gaelic Literature. Mr. Grant offers a set of 'Book-Prices Current,' 1894-1914, with the two Decennial Indexes by our contributor Lieut. Jaggard, for 81. 10s.; and Arber's Term Catalogues, 1668-1709,' 3 vols. privately printed, for 15s., or the large-paper edition for 11. 10s. The revised edition of Baring-Gould's Lives of the Saints, including the supplementary volume, 16 vols. in all, with nearly 500 illustrations, may be had for 31. 3s. Reid's Concordance to Burns is priced 8s. 6d. ; Raven's Church Bells of Suffolk,' 1890, 6s. 6d. ; and several volumes of "The Gentleman's Magazine Library," 2s. 6d. each. MESSRS. MAGGS send us three catalogues. No. 371, consisting of engraved portraits, etchings, and engravings, contains many features of interest just now, such as a whole-length engraving of Henry Laurens, President of the American Congress of 1778, by V. Green after Copley (371. 108.); and a whole-length of Washington, with a negro attendant, by V. Green after Trumbull (751.). A line engraving showing Boston from the southeast c. 1750, by J. Carwitham, is 421. ; and a pair showing New York from the south-east and the south-west, "drawn on the spot by Capt. Thomas Howdell, of the Royal Artillery," and engraved by Canot, are 1507. The frontispiece is a mezzotint by C. Turner of Lord Collingwood, who commanded at Trafalgar after Nelson's death (321. 10s.). A mezzotint by Gilbank after Singleton shows Nelson lying wounded on the deck of the Vanguard at the battle of the Nile (61. 6s.); and another by C. Turner after Eastlake depicts Bonaparte on the Bellerophon (631.). One of the most expensive things is a full-length mezzotint, by W. W. Barney after Gainsborough, of the Duchess of Devonshire who canvassed for Fox at the Westminster election of 1784 (1767. 10s.). MESSRS. MAGGS'S Catalogue 372 consists of 'A Valuable Collection of Books relating to the British Islands, Heraldry and Family History, Voyages and Travels, and Natural History.' It contains 250 pages and 1,343 entries, but is so well arranged and indexed that any one can find at once the subjects in which he is specially interested. Many of the entries have valuable notes attached. We can indicate but a few of the important works. A fine copy of Lewis's Islington,' 1842, with 323 extra illustrations, 3 folio vols., is 651.; and a collection of 300 pieces illus Notices to Correspondents. WE cannot undertake to answer queries privately, but we will forward advance proofs of answers received if a shilling is sent with the query; nor can we advise correspondents as to the value of old books and other objects or as to the means of disposing of them. trating Ranelagh Gardens, 1748-1810, 187. 18s. The first edition of Dallaway and Cartwright's Sussex,' 3 vols. crimson morocco, the armorial bearings emblazoned in colours, 1815, is 451. Roscoe's Wanderings' in North Wales and in ON all communications must be written the name South Wales are adorned with fore-edge paintings, and address of the sender, not necessarily for pub2 vols. morocco extra, 311. 10s. A set of the Scot-lication, but as a guarantee of good faith. tish History Society's publications, vols. i.-xlv., 1887-1904, is 30%. Under Africa will be found Lord Macartney's official manuscript Letter-Book whilst Governor of the Cape of Good Hope, 1797-8 (877. 10s.), and his official Diary or Journal (1257.). The section devoted to the United States covers 25 pp. Under India are accounts of the voyage of the first fleet sent out by the East India Company (London, William Aspley, 1603, 331. 10s.) and of the last East Indian voyager (London, Walter Burre, 1606, 221. 10s.). The Australian section is long: two interesting but inexpensive items are Jerningham's (1848, 78. 6d.) and Waghorn's (1847, 8s. 6d.) pamphlets advocating steam communication with that continent. MESSRS. MAGGS's third catalogue is dated Christmas, and the long extracts it offers from the letters and manuscripts of notable men and women will provide enjoyment for lovers of history and literature. The place of honour is given to a memento of "the four Napoleons," a folio volume in a jewelled binding, containing many important documents (3951.). The autograph manuscript of Shelley's poem Prince Athanase,' comprising 41 verses, and bound in morocco extra, is priced at 2851. There are also extremely interesting letters and poems of the Brownings, Byron, Carlyle, Coleridge, Thomas Hardy, Dr. Johnson, Meredith, Scott, Stevenson, Swinburne, and Tennyson. Among representatives of America may be named Emerson, Wendell Holmes, Longfellow, and J. R. Lowell. Handel and Mendelssohn are prominent among musicians. There are also three autograph poems by Arthur J. Munby, whose initials A. J. M. were familiar to the readers of N. & Q.' for many years. Obituary. ་ LOUIS R. LETTS. By the death of Mr. Louis R. Letts of the Phoenix Assurance Company, which took place on Nov. 24 at the early age of 41 as a result of pneumonia following influenza, N. & Q. has lost a constant reader and an occasional contributor. Mr. Letts was particularly interested in ecclesiastical archæology and antiquities, and-a Londoner by birth-was especially well informed in all matters concerning the history and topography of the City. Readers will remember the illustrated article from his pen which appeared at 12 S. ii. 461 on Eighteenth-Century Fires in Cornhill.' Mr. Letts, though an ardent Londoner, was a lover of the country-side and a great walker. The writer recalls many tramps with him over the Sussex Downs, and elsewhere in Sussex, Surrey, and Kent, rubbing brasses and studying church architecture. He was a cheerful and witty companion, and his sanity of outlook, his goodhumoured sarcasm, his shrewdness and generous sympathy, will be sadly missed by a large circle of relatives and friends. He leaves a widow and three little boys. M. L. J. W. B., BELFAST, and D. GUNN.-Forwarded. 281. LUCIS ("Say not the struggle naught availeth "). V. D. (Cheshire Dialect Proverbs).-" Blue as a wimberry and As sure as God made little apples have been recorded. The latter was discussed at 11 S. iv. 289, 377. Socialists).-Named after the leader of the gladiaANEURIN WILLIAMS, Carnarvon ("Spartacus tors who rebelled against the Romans. They were finally defeated by Crassus, Spartacus defending himself heroically till he died. CAPT. W. W. CADDELL (Paragraph Mark in the Bible).The New English Dict.,' s.v. Paragraph, says: "A symbol or character....formerly used to mark the commencement of a new section or part of a narrative or discourse....Its original use is common in Middle English MSS. (where the form is often a red or blue....). It was retained by the early printers, and remains in the Bible of 1811 (but only as far as Acts xx.), no doubt because every verse begins a new line, so that the method of indicating a paragraph by indenting' (as done by Tindale, Coverdale, and the Revisers of 1881-5) was not available." CORRIGENDA.-Ante, p. 308, col. 2, 11. 15 and 25, for "bazozerah" read hazozerah. BOOKS. - ALL OUT OF PRINT BOOKS supplied, no matter on what subject. Please state wants. BAKER'S Great Bookshop, 14-16 John Bright Street, Birmingham. Burke's Peerage, new copies, 1914, 88.; 1915. 108.; published 42 net THE AUTHOR'S HAIRLESS PAPER-PAD. (The LEADENHALL PRESS. Ltd., Publishers and Printers, 29-47 GARDEN ROW. ST. GEORGE'S ROAD, SOUTHWARK, 8.E.1.) Contains hairless paper, over which the ren slips with perfect freedom. Ninepence each. 88 per dozen, ruled or plain. Pocket size, 58. per dozen, ruled or plain. STICKPHAST is a clean white Paste and not a messy liquid. TWELFTH SERIES.-VOL. IV. SUBJECT INDEX [For classified articles see ANONYMOUS WORKS, BIBLIOGRAPHY, BOOKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED Abenhall, epitaph at, 324 66 A Abeny," cathedral interior by D. Roberts, its Abingdon (Willoughby, 4th Earl of), satirized in Abington (Mrs. Frances), actress, place of her death, Acrostic epitaph on Mrs. William Stokes, 251 Act of Parliament clock, history and specimens, Adam as a family ancestor, examples, 271 Adieu to the Turf,' satire on 4th Earl of Abing- Africa, "call of," book describing, 301, 338 Aldgate, Duke of Suffolk's head in St. Botolph's Aleston, Middlesex, its whereabouts, 139 Anglesey topography in 17th century, informatio Anglican clergymen, biographical particulars Animals or birds, names for collections of, 255 Anonymous Works:- 'Adieu to the Turf,' 1778, 16, 55 Llewelyn,' tale in four cantos, 1838, 158 Anthony arms and ancestry, 13, 110 Archer (Brother Jack), Masonic portrait, 1861, Ardagh family, information wanted, 161 Allan (Sir W.), portrait of Helen Faucit as Anti- Aristotle on the Greek temperament, 302 Allen family, entries in Bible of 1739, 11 America, Seneca's lines anticipating its dis- Amiens, Peace of, 1801, commemorative medal, Amsterdam, rapehouses or rasphouses at, 86, 137 Anderson's British Poets,' notice in Critical Armorial bearings, effects of tax on, 12, 79, 191 See Heraldry. Army officers c. 1780-1814, information wanted, Arnold, family of actors in 18th century, 131 Artemis Aphaia, epithet explained, 70 Bacon (Sir Francis), miniature by Hilliard, 131: Bagpipes in Scotland and England, 148 Bakyrsaxther (Keare), 1390-91, his name, 242 Baltimore (Calverts, Lords), their number and Balzac (Honoré de), Countess Hanska's letters Bangor wills before 1835, information wanted, 74! Barleymow,' its varying pronunciation, 74, Barometer, Dutch, its curious construction, 158, Baronetess, the title, examples, 57 Basset (Francis) of Helperly, his two wives, 45, 117 Batty -), religious journal by, c. 1740, 131 283 Baynes (Christopher), D.D., died c. 1718, 134, 228 A, No. 1," in Coningsby,' 9; on the British Beaudesert, Staffordshire, aquatint, 1816, 244 Bedford, etymology of the name, 148 "" or "Stout Pharoh," 75 Notes and Queries, March, 1919. Bennett (Mrs. Agnes Maria), novelist, biography, Bennoch (Rev. Archibald James), his ancestry, 241 Berry(), played with Garrick at Drury Lane, Berry (William) of Guernsey, 187 66 'Biajer or 'Bajau," sea-gipsy, its derivation, "Bibbing-house," 1613, early use of the word, 155 |