No. XXII.] FOR THE MONTH. "I will make a prief of it in my Note-Book."-SHAKSPERE. NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS. G. WILLIS gratefully acknowledges the various interesting documents and letters he has received. He is anxious that it should be perfectly understood that he is not the author of any statement, representation, or opinion, that may appear in his "Current Notes," which are merely selections from communications made to him in the course of his business, and which appear to him to merit attention. Every statement therefore is open to correction or discussion, and the writers of the several paragraphs should be considered as alone responsible for their assertions. Although many notes have hitherto appeared anonymously, or with initial letters, yet wherever a serious contradiction is involved, G. Willis trusts that his Correspondents will feel the necessity of allowing him to make use of their names when properly required. THE COINS OF DIONYSIUS AND AGATHOCLES. Vicarage, Southwick, near Oundle. SIR, My first paper on the three legs in the Arms of the Isle of Man, (which appeared in Current Notes, March 1852, p. 18,) was written when I had seen only those contained in Gesenius, and those on Manx coins. My second on the same subject (C. N. September, p. 79,) seemed still more fully to prove that the three legs referred to the Magi; but, as the present copies bear a date anterior to the birth of our Saviour, it is evident that the three legs depicted on each of them cannot relate to the Magi; these must therefore be accounted for hieroglyphically, and your readers must then attach such a meaning to the former two as they shall think most proper; should they think that each of them is equivalent to a confession of faith in the co-equality of the Essence, Power, and Spirit of the great Jah, the motto on the Manks coin, viz.: "stabit quocunque jeceris," will be applicable. My opinion with regard to the former two is not altered. In Spanheim's Numismata, dissertatio octava, c. 12, "De Siciliæ Regibus in nummis," you may find two coins; the first that of Dionysius, and the second that of Agathocles. I think it will be sufficient to treat of these two, in order to explain a brass coin in the possession of Mr. Fargher of Douglas, Isle of Man; and its copy in the Atlas Numismatique, Paris, 1829. The compound hieroglyph (excepting the three legs) necessary for a full explanation, is as follows: VOL. II. [OCTOBER, 1852. The goddess (Victoria) on the coin of Dionysius is supposed to be placing a wreath of laurel on his head, and under her right arm are the three legs, above the compound hieroglyph resembling a weathercock, on two inverted pyramids. The same goddess on the coin of Agathocles has in her right hand the T, the emblem of perfection, Deity, &c. and with her left hand she is placing the Delta, the hieroglyph of union, (primarily the symbol of the Trinunity) on the top of his armour, supported by a stand or horse. Let us now proceed to explain the hieroglyphs on the two coins. The legs cannot, I think, be accounted for here, but by supposing each to be the Hermesian hieroglyph (the leg) alkawi, the All-Powerful (God); consequently, the three legs joined will denote the three All-Powerfuls, viz.: the Essence, the Power or Word, and the Spirit. The hieroglyph under the legs is compounded of the Hermesian hieroglyph equivalent to the Hebrew shin, denoting Trinunity; and the two inverted pyramids represent two Samaritan oins joined, giving us the same idea as the Saviour afterwards gives of himself in Rev. i. 11., viz., that he is the oo or w Omega. O is the hieroglyph for man; passing through a few gradations from the Hebrew oin, and Chinese jin, a man. The Delta is a Chinese and Egyptian hieroglyph, signifying union. The T I have more than once explained. We are now fully prepared to illustrate the coin of Mr. Fargher. On his coin are the three legs, the T, and the word AI; and by comparing it with that in the Atlas Numismatique, we may venture to propose the meaning of the words APAOOKAH KOINH, Agathokle koine. Now, from a collation of these different coins we are naturally led to infer that the word AI must have a similar meaning to that of the compound hieroglyphs already explained; the AI will therefore be read, more Hebræo, from right to left, and we shall have IA or YA pronounced like the Hebrew name of the great Spirit, Ya for Yah, Psalm lxviii. 4. The triangle or Delta, and Agathokle koine, must therefore denote the union of the Sicilian and African dominions under the rule of Agathocles. That which in Mr. Fargher's coin appears like a left arm, is part of a robe behind the armour or image of Agathocles. I am, sir, yours very truly, Mr. Willis. L T. R. BROWN. HALLIWELL'S SHAKESPEARE. Avenue Lodge, Brixton Hill, 8th Oct. 1852. SIR,-Your Correspondent C. R. K. (Current Notes for August, No. XX. p. 71) is informed that the rare tract which cost me upwards of £60, is the unique novel of Pericles, founded on the play as it was acted at the Globe Theatre, and that, in future, I must hold myself excused from replying to anonymous querists on any subject connected with the folio edition of Shake speare. In reference to a paragraph in your last number, p. 80, respecting the limitation of copies to 150, perhaps you will kindly allow me to say, that, for reasons I consider quite unanswerable, that limit cannot possibly be extended. On that point "I am freely dissolved and dissolutely," preferring, if necessary, to increase the price of the later copies. The expenses will be heavy, and it will be quite as much as I shall be able to do, even with the greatest care, to "make both ends meet;" but I certainly will not increase the impression under circumstances. any Mr. Willis. Your humble servant, J. O. HALLIWELL. SYMBOL OF THE EARLY CHRISTIANS. Bridport, 22nd September, 1852. your SIR,-Accidentally, I have only just seen August number [XX.] In page 68 your correspondent has somewhat varied the generally received explanation of a fish's representation being adopted by the early Christians as their symbol, which must be too familiar to the majority of your readers to justify insertion in your Notes without an apology. The word IXOYE, a fish, being formed by putting together the first letters of the following words, Ιησες Χριστος Θεο Υίος Σωτης, Jesus Christ God's Son the Saviour, is the well known explanation. Mr. Willis. Your obliged subscriber, n Les Recompenses, Rewards, The intercalary day of every fourth year was called La Sans Culotide, on which there was to be a renovation of the National Oath, "To live free or die." The above communication renders it unnecessary for G. W. to print more than the following extracts from those made to him by H. (Kensington) on the same day. J. W. C. and W. K. 1st Oct) "The French Revolutionary Kalendar was discontinued in 1805." September 28, 1852. SIR, I have much pleasure in supplying your correspondent "Q." with the information he is seeking. Of course many medals exist which are dated in accordance with the Revolutionary Kalendar. I possess several, but I may notice one in particular, because it is a very interesting one: Nap. on his favourite steed crossing the St. Bernard-date "Le 25 Floréal, An. viii." There are many Assignats dated between 1792 and 1805 still in existence, although they will not realize a good fortune to their possessors. I have only five (two autumn, three winter); I should like to possess the other eight very much, and would be glad either to purchase them, or give a goodly number in exchange, having a little roll of these almost worthless pieces of paper. give you a minute of those which constitute my little series: Vendémiaire, Brumaire, Nivose, Pluviose, and Ventôse. Mr. Willis. I am, sir, your obedient servant, H. ENGLISH VERSION OF FRENCH REPUBLICAN DATES. The English version of these Republican names was thus proposed by a wag of the day : : Snowy. Showery. Lowery. Flowy. Flowery. Glowy. Bowery. Breezy. FRENCH ASSIGNATS. The coffin, covered with an ensign, was placed on deck. Tuesday she arrived at Greenwich, the body still being in the coffin made of the wreck of L'Orient, was then enveloped in the colours of the Victory, bound round by a piece of rope and carried by sailors, part of the crew of the Victory, to the Painted Hall, where preparations were made for the lying in state; the days appointed for which were, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, Jan. 5, 6 and 7, 1806; and to which all due effect was given. Wednesday, Jan. 8, the first day's procession by water took place, and the remains were removed from Greenwich to Whitehall, and from thence to the Admiralty, with all MR. WILLIS,-If you fall in with any assignats: possible pomp and solemnity. This procession of barges, dated etc. was nearly a mile long, minute guns being fired during its progress; the banner of emblems was borne by Captain Hardy, Lord Nelson's Captain. The body was deposited that night in the Captain's room at the Admiralty, and attended by the Rev. John Scott. Thursday, Jan. 9, 1806, the procession from the Admiralty to St. Paul's moved forward about eleven o'clock in the morning-the first part consisting of cavalry regiments, regimental bands with muffled drums, Greenwich pensioners, seamen from the Victory, about 200 mourning coaches, 400 carriages of public officers, nobility, etc. including those of the royal family (the Prince of Wales, Duke of Clarence, etc. taking part in the procession), the body upon a funeral car drawn by six led horses. At Temple Bar the City Officers took their places in the procession. Upon arrival at the Cathedral, they entered by the West Gate and the Great West Door, ranging themselves according to their rank. The seats were as follows: under the dome; in each archway was the front of the piers and in the gallery over the choir. The form of the seats under the dome took the shape of the dome, namely, a circular appearance and calculated to hold 3056 persons. An iron railing was also placed from the dome to the Great Western Door, within which persons were allowed to stand. The body was placed on a bier, erected on a raised platform opposite the Eagle Desk; at the conclusion of the service in the Choir, a procession was formed from thence to the grave, with banners, etc.: the interment being over, Garter proclaimed the Style, and the Comptroller, Treasurer and Steward of the deceased, breaking their staves gave the pieces to Garter, who threw them into the grave. The procession, arranged by the Officers of Arms, then re turned. NOTE FROM THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON. London, October 4th, 1852. SIR,-The following characteristic note of the late Duke of Wellington, which came into my possession a few years since, possibly may be considered worthy of insertion in your interesting pages. Yours faithfully, Mr. Willis. A. THE LAST OFFICIAL LETTER SIGNED BY THE DUKE THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON SURPRISED. WHILE sitting for his portrait to Mr. Pickersgill, that artist in order the better to catch the Duke's expression, put the question, "Pray is it true that your Grace was The Duke of Wellington presents his compliments to surprised at Waterloo?" The Duke's countenance remained unmoved, but with an arch look he replied, "No, Sir. I never was surprised till now." Mr. Hale. The Duke has thousands of friends and acquaintances. He has agents, stewards, bailiffs, and other servants in charge of his house, gardens, and place at Strathfieldsaye. These persons are perfectly aware that any respectable person desirous of seeing the house and place is to be shewn it, if it should be convenient that it should be seen. The Duke's business and duties elsewhere keep him at a distance from Strathfieldsaye during seven or eight months in the year. It is impossible for him to give any more positive directions applicable to all who may desire to see his house and place, and it cannot be required from the Duke that he should sit down and write an order that each and every traveller through Hampshire should visit his house, as is required by Mr. Hale, and this whether the Duke has the honour of being acquainted with him or not. The Duke really thinks that Mr. Hale will not be refused the gratification of seeing Strathfieldsaye when he wishes. If he should, the Duke hopes that he will believe that it is because it would be inconvenient to allow the place to be shewn on the day that he will have fixed upon. John Hale, Esq. WELLINGTON'S TREE AT PAINS HILL. September 27th, 1852. IN the copy of Brayley and Britton's Surrey, which very valuable and interesting work I recently procured from you, I have been particularly struck and pleased with the lines by Lord Carhampton upon a young Oak growing on an island at Pains Hill, which was planted in 1817, in "Honour to the Duke of Wellington." It is stated to be now upwards of thirty feet high, with branches extending over a space measuring seventy feet in circumference. "Emblem of Britain's glory! grow thou here, Deep in the earth; high in the atmosphere; Sacred to WELLINGTON'S great name, And record of his well-earn'd fame. When many hundred years are past And thou must die, his fame shall last. Yes! thou sturdy, long-liv'd tree, His glorious deeds shall outlive thee. Shakespear prophetically tells us when His fame must perish-but not till then." There is a rugged earnestness about these verses that sounds to my ear far more sternly melodious than the dulcet stop of Moore could have produced. N. P. R. A. THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON'S WATERLOO Sword. UPON application being made to the Duke for his sword to be deposited in the Waterloo room of the United Service Institution, his Grace quaintly replied, that he could not part with it during his life or so long as the Crown may require its service, but he had no objection after his death to its being placed there. S. E. However, I can inform you that it is the signature of an eminent literary, scientific, and official character, Mr. Willis. the late Sir John Barrow, Bart., who I need scarcely inform you, was for many years Second Secretary to the Admiralty, the founder and President of the Geographical Society, and a distinguished Quarterly Reviewer. Yours faithfully, A COLLECTOR, BUT NOT OF FRANKS. UNCLE TOM'S CABIN. (From the Boston Transcript of 17th September.) What the unfortunate Admiralty Clerks, the Secre"A VOICE FROM A SUFFERER.- Mr. Editor: I am a taries of Scientific Societies, and printers must have victim of the popular excitement about Uncle Tom's suffered from this style of illegible writing may be conCabin. Mrs. Tyke read it in chapters in the New Era ceived, and what extraordinary blunders such reck-long ago, and she, as well as the little Tykes, has been lessness in penmanship may lead to, I leave you to reading it in two volumes ever since. Never was mortal conjecture. so hunted down by a book before. I have no peaceI once heard the poet Rogers observe that the man who wrote his name obscurely was guilty of a piece of morning, noon, or night. Indian cake at breakfast suggests sympathetic allusions to the thousands of poor impertinence towards the party addressed by him, and Uncle Toms at the South, who must eat hoe-cake or Sir John Barrow, I believe, received more than one die; dinner is enlivened by conversations upon the incireproof respecting his writing. It is said that a dis- dents of the work; and I am pestered every evening tinguished Admiral, the late Sir Edward Codrington, after tea by my eldest daughter's imploring me to hear who wrote a clear, beautiful, and distinct hand, cut off the last sweet song about little Eva. The young ladies a similar signature to that which I inclose from a letter are working fancy sketches of Uncle Tom's physiognomy addressed to him, pasted it on the envelope of his reply, in black worsted; the baby has a woolly headed doll and directed it to the Admiralty. In another case the whom she tries to call Topsy; and my house is lumbered official Baronet was addressed as J. W. BUNN, Esq. up with fresh editions of Uncle Tom's Cabin,' and As example, especially official example, where pre-Aunt Phillis's Cabin,' and 'Southern Life as It Is,' cedent is so much considered since the days of Sir John and Southern Life as It Is'nt,' and goodness knows Barrow, it would appear that the Secretaries and Clerks what else besides. Our youngest has fortunately been of the Admiralty have been selected from the most christened-but Mrs. Tyke gives dark and mysterious illegible writers that could be discovered. Amongst hints about naming somebody else Eva some of these my collection of Literary Autographs I possess a few days, if circumstances permit. I am almost driven to specimens which, upon finding that this communication say that I hope circumstances never will permit. I receives favour in your sight, I will forward to you to haven't read the book. I won't read it. People say it engrave, as enigmas for the amusement of your readers. is a remarkable work. I do not doubt it. If it wasn't, Mr. Willis. AN AUTOGRAPH COLLECTOR. it never would set all creation so agog. Young ladies are astounded that I am ignorant of its contents, and throw up their hands, exclaiming, Haven't read Uncle Tom's Cabin?' whereupon a chorus of astonished bystanders chime in, Well, I am surprised!' Will not somebody write something or do something to change this wearisome subject? I think of it all day, and dream of it all night. It will be the death of me. But as I say to Mrs. Tyke every morning, as sure as my name is John Tyke, I will not read the book. No! not even if people point at me in the streets as FRANKS AND FRANKING. September 30, 1852. SIR,-I wish it were in my power to give a more full reply to "Franks and Franking" [Current Notes for this month, p. 74], than to refer to a most useful little work, "The Tablet of Memory," wherein I perceive "Franking letters first claimed 1660, commenced 1734 (which must be an error), restrained 1761, 1775, 1793, The Man who has not read Uncle Tom's Cabin."" |