Bishop Burnet as an Historian.—Dr. Joseph Warton told my father that "Old Lord Barthurst," Pope's friend, had cautioned him against relying implicitly on all Burnet's statements; observing that the good bishop was so given to gossiping and anecdote hunting, that the wags about court used often to tell him idle tales, for the mischievous pleasure of seeing him make note on them. Lord Bathurst did not, I believe, charge Burnet with deliberate misrepresentation, but considered some of his presumed facts questionable, for the reason stated.
ELIJAH WARING.
Dance Thumbkin.—In the Book of Nursery Rhymes, published by the Percy Society, there is a small error of importance, involving no less that the learned would call "a non sequitur," and which, if my correct-and-almost-unequalled nurse, Betty Richins, was alive, she would have noticed much sooner that the nurseling who now addresses you. (She died about the year 1796.) In the valuable and still popular nursery classical song, "Dance Thumbkin, dance," it is not only an error to say "Thumbkin he can dance alone" (let any one reader of the "NOTES AND QUERIES," male or female, only try), but it is not the correct text. Betty Richins has "borne me on her knee a hundred times" and sung it thus:—
Thumbkin cannot dance alone.
So1 dance ye merry men, every one."
I scarcely need add, that if this be true of Thumbkin, it is truer of Foreman, Longman, Middleman, and Littleman.
R.S.S.
King's Coffee-house, Covent Garden.—As an addition to "Mr. RIMBAULT's" Notes on Cunningham's Handbook, the following extract from Harwood's Alumni Etonenses, p. 293., in the recount of the boys elected for Eton to King's College may be interesting:—
"A.D. 1713, 12."
"Thomas King born at West Ashton in Wiltshire; went away scholar, in apprehension that his fellowship would be denied him, and afterwards kept that coffee-house in Covent Garden which was called by his own name."
J.H.L.
Spur Money (No. 23. p. 374, and No 28. p. 462.).—In a curious tract, published in 1598, under the title of The Children of the Chapel stript and whipt, we have the following passage:—
"Wee think it very necessarye that every quorister sholde bringe with him to churche a Testament in Englishe, and turne to everie chapter as it is daily read, or som other good and godly prayer-booke, rather than spend their tyme in talk and hunting after spur-money, whereon they set their whole mindes, and do often abuse dyvers if they doe not bestowe somewhat on them."
In 1622, the dean of the Chapel Royal issued an order by which it was decreed—
"That if anie Knight, or other persone entituled to weare spurs, enter the chappell in that guise, he shall pay to y'e quiristers the accustomed fine; but if he command y'e youngest quirister to repeate his Gamut, and he faile in y'e so doing, the said Knight, or other, shall not pay y'e fine."
This curious extract I copied from the ancient cheque-book of the Chapel Royal.
Within my recollection, His Grace the Duke of Wellington (who, by the way, is an excellent musician) entered the Royal Chapel "booted and spurred," and was, of course, called upon for the fine. But His Grace calling upon the youngest chorister to repeat his GAMUT, and the "little urchin" failing, the impost was not demanded.
EDWARD F. RIMBAULT.
Mr. W.S.W. Vaux, of the department of Antiquities, British Museum, has just published a very interesting little volume under the title of Nineveh and Persepolis: an Historical Sketch of Ancient Assyria and Persia, with an Account of the recent Researches in those Countries. The work is illustrated with numerous woodcuts; and the two points which Mr. Vaux has proposed to elucidate,—viz., 1. The history of Assyria and Persia, and, as connected with it, that of the Medes, the Jews, and the Chaldees, so far as it can be ascertained from the Bible, and the works of classical authors: and 2. The results of those inquiries which have been carried on for nearly three centuries by European travellers,—he has successfully accomplished, in a way to make his book a most useful introduction to the study of the larger works which have been written upon this important subject; and a valuable substitute to those who have neither the means to purchase them, nor time to devote to their perusal.
The Rev. Dr. Maitland has just published a second edition of his Eruvin, or Miscellaneous Essays on Subjects connected with the Nature, History, and Destiny of Man. The Essays are ten in number, and treat: I. On the Nature and Objects of Revelation. II. On the Impediments to the Right Understanding of Scripture. III. Man before the Fall. IV. Satan. V. The Consequences of the Fall. VI. The Fallen Angels. VII. The Millenium. VIII. The Kingdom of Messiah. IX. The Regeneration. X. The Modern Doctrine of Miracles. We mention the subjects of these papers because, although they are of a nature not to be discussed in our columns, we are sure many of our readers will be glad to know the points on which they treat.
We have received the following Catalogues:—Bibliotheca Selecta, Curiosa et Rarissima. Part First of a general Catalougue of Miscellaneous English and Foreign Books now on sale by Thomas G. Stevenson, 87. Princes Street, Edinburgh—(a Catalogue well deserving attention of our Antiquarian friends); John Miller's (43. Chandos Street) Catalogue of Books Old and New; W.S. Lincoln's (Cheltenham House, Westminster Road) Catalogue No. 56., May, 1850, of English, Foreign, Classical and Miscellaneous Literature.
Messrs. Sotheby and Co., of Wellington Street, will commence on Monday next an eight days' sale of the valuable library of the late Rev. Peter Hall, consisting of rare and early English Theology, Ecclesiastical History and Antiquities, Foreign and English Controversial Works, Classics, Biblical Criticism, &c.
GORGH (R.), CATALOGUE OF ALL WORKS PRINTED RELATING TO WALES.
A Pamphlet ON THE LEAD AND SILVER MINES OF GOWER, published about a century since.
SECOND TRAVELS OF AN IRISH GENTLEMAN IN SEARCH OF A RELIGION, BY BLANCO WHITE.
Letters, stating particulars and lowest price, carriage free, to be sent to Mr. Bell, Publisher of "NOTES AND QUERIES," 186. Fleet Street.
COMPLETION OF VOLUME THE FIRST. The present Number completes the First Volume of NOTES AND QUERIES, to which a Title-page and copious Index will be printed as soon as possible: when copies of it may be had in cloth boards. In the meantime, may we beg such of our Subscribers as have not complete sets, to secure such Numbers as they may be in want of without delay.
Errata.—No. 28. p. 452., for "Bayle" read "Bale," and for "Carood" read "Câwood." No. 29. p. 467., for "dick the string" read "click," and for "bung" read "bang."
HYMNS AND POEMS FOR THE SICK.
SECOND EDITION.
In small 8vo., price 7s. 6d.
HYMNS and POEMS for the SICK and SUFFERING. In connection with the Service for the Visitation of the Sick. Edited by the Rev. T. V. FOSBERY, M.A., Perpetual Curate of Sunningdale.
This volume contains 233 separate pieces, of which about 90 are by writers who lived prior to the eighteenth century; the rest are modern, and some of these original. Amongst the names of the writers (between 70 and 80 in number) occur those of Sir J. Beaumont, Sir T. Browne, F. Davison, Elizabeth of Bohemia, P. Fletcher, G. Herbert, Dean Hickes, Bp. Ken. Norris, Quarles Sandys, Bp. J. Taylor, Henry Vaughan, and Sir. H. Wotton; and of modern writers, Miss E.B. Barrett, the Bishop of Oxford, S.T. Coleridge, Sir R. Grant, Miss E. Taylor, W. Wordsworth, Rev. Messrs. Chandler, Keble, Lyte, Monsell, Moultrie, and Trench.
RIVINGTON'S, St. Paul's Church Yard, and Waterloo Place.
DR. MAITLAND'S ERUVIN—SECOND EDITION
In small 8vo., price 5s. 6d.
ERUVIN; or Miscellaneous Essays on Subjects connected with the Nature, History, and Destiny of Man. By the Rev. S.R. MAITLAND, D.D. F.R.S. & F.S.A.
RIVINGTON'S, St. Paul's Church Yard, and Waterloo Place;
Of whom may be had, by the same Author,
1. ESSAYS on the REFORMATION in ENGLAND. 15s.
2. ESSAYS on the DARK AGES. Second Edition. 12s.
LAWYERS, SOLICITORS, PERIODICAL PUBLISHERS, and MUSIC SELLERS, &c. will find the newly-invented PAMPHLET or LETTER BINDER the most useful article yet offered to the Public for the purpose of facilitating the binding of extracting of any Letter or Pamphlet, without the possibility of deranging the consecutive order of such documents. They are equally useful as Music Binders or Portfolios, as it forms a perfect book, whether inclosing one sheet or five hundred. As a Portfolio, it is invaluable, as it precludes the possibility of the drawings being broken or in any way injured.
To be had of DE LA RUE and Co., Stationers, Bunhill Row, or of any other respectable Stationer.
Now Publishing
THE CHURCHES OF THE MIDDLE AGES. By HENRY BOWMAN and JOSEPH S. CROWTHER, Architects, Manchester. To be completed in Twenty Parts, each containing Six Plates, Imperial Folio. Issued at intervals of two months. Price per Part to Subscribers, Proofs, large paper, 10s. 6d.; Tinted, small paper. 9s.; Plain, 7s. 6d. Parts 1 to 7 are now published, and contain illustrations of Ewerby Church, Lincolnshire; Temple Balsall Chapel, Warwickshire; and Heckington church, Lincolnshire.
On the 1st of July next, the price of the work, to Subscribers whose names may be received after that date, will be raised as follows:—Proofs, tinted, large paper, per Part 12s.; tinted, small paper, 10s. 6d.; Plain 9s.
"Ewerby is a magnificent specimen of a Flowing Middle-Pointed Church. It is most perfectly measured and described; one can follow the most recondite beauties of the construction, mouldings and joints, in these Plates, almost as well as in the original structure. Such a monograph as this will be of incalculable value to the architects of our Colonies or the United States, who have no means of access to ancient churches. The Plates are on stone, done with remarkable skill and distinctness. Of Heckington we can only say that the perspective view from the south-east presents a very vision of beauty; we can hardly conceive anything more perfect. We heartily recommend this series to all who are able to patronize it."—Ecclesiologist, Oct. 1849.
London: GEORGE BELL, 186. Fleet Street.
Just published, fcp. 8vo., cloth lettered. 2s. 6d.
A GLOSSARY to the OBSOLETE and UNUSUAL WORDS and PHRASES of the HOLY SCRIPTURES. With an Introductory History of the last English Version. By J. JAMESON.
London: WERTHEIM AND MACINTOSH. 24. Paternoster Row.
Preparing for publication. In 2 vols. small 8vo.
THE FOLK-LORE of ENGLAND. By WILLIAM J. THOMS, F.S.A., Secretary of the Camden Society, Editor of "Early Prose Romances," "Lays and Legends of all Nations," &c. One object of the present work is to furnish new contributions to the History of our National Folk-Lore; and especially some of the more striking Illustrations of the subject to be found in the Writings of Jacob Grimm and other Continental Antiquaries.
Communications of inedited Legends, Notices of remarkable Customs and Popular Observances, Rhyming Charms, &c. are earnestly solicited, and will be thankfully acknowledged by the Editor. They may be addressed to the care of Mr. BELL, Office of "NOTES AND QUERIES," 186. Fleet Street.
Now Ready, containing 149 Plates, royal 8vo. 28s.; follo, 2l. 5s. India Paper, 4l. 4s.
THE MONUMENTAL BRASSES of ENGLAND; a series of Engravings upon Wood, from every variety of these interesting and valuable Memorials, accompanied with Descriptive Notices.
By the Rev. C. BOUTELI. M.A. Rector of Downham Market.
Part XII., completing the work, price 7s. 6d.; folio, 12s.; India paper, 24s.
By the same Author, royal 8vo., 15s.; large paper, 21s.
MONUMENTAL BRASSES and SLABS: an Historical and Descriptive Notice of the Incised Monumental Memorials of the Middle Ages. With upwards of 200 Engravings.
"A handsome large octavo volume, abundantly supplied with well-engraved woodcuts and lithographic plates; a sort of Encyclopædia for ready reference.... The whole work has a look of painstaking completeness highly commendable."—Athenorum
"One of the most beautifully got up and interesting volumes we have seen for a long time. It gives, in the compass of one volume, an account of the history of those beautiful monuments of former days.... The illustrations are extremely well chosen."—English Churchman
A few copies only of this work remain for sale; and, as it will not be reprinted in the same form and at the same price, the remaining copies are raised in price. Early application for the Large Paper Edition is necessary.
By the same Author, to be completed in Four Parts.
CHRISTIAN MOMUMENTS in ENGLAND and WALES; An Historical and Descriptive Sketch of the various classes of Momumental Memorials which have been in use in this country from about the time of the Norman Conquest. Profusely illustrated with Wood Engravings. Part I. price 7s. 6d.; Part II 2s. 6d.
"A well conceived and executed work."—Ecclesiologist.
LIST OF BOOKS PUBLISHED BY JOHN RUSSELL SMITH, 4. OLD COMPTON STREET, SOHO, LONDON.
A SECOND AND CHEAPER EDITION.
In 2 vols. 8vo., containing upwards of 1000 pages, closely printed in double columns, price 1l. 1s. cloth.
A DICTIONARY of ARCHAIC and PROVINCIAL WORDS, Obsolete Phrases, Proverbs, and Ancient Customs, from the Reign of Edward I. by JAMES ORCHARD HALLIWELL, F.R.S.F.S.A. &c.
It contains above 50,000 Words (embodying all the known scattered glossaries of the English Language), forming a complete key to the reader of the works of our old Poets, Dramatists, Theologians, and other authors whose works abound with allusions, of which explanations are not to be found in ordinary dictionaries and books of reference. Most of the principal Archaisms are illustrated by examples selected from early inedited MSS, and rare books, and by far the greater portion will be found to be original authorities.
ANGLO-SAXON.—A DELECTUS in ANGLO-SAXON, intended as a First Class-book in the Language. By the Rev. W. BARNES, of St. John's College, Cambridge, Author of the Poems and Glossary in the Dorset Dialect. 12mo. cloth, 2s. 6d.
"To those who wish to possess a critical knowledge of their own native English, some acquaintance with Anglo-Saxon is indispensable; and we have never seen an introduction better calculated than the present to supply the wants of a beginner in a short space of time. The declensions and conjugations are well stated, and illustrated by references to the Greek, Latin, French, and other languages. A philosophical spirit pervades every part. The Delectus consists of Short pieces, on various subjects, with extracts from Anglo-Saxon History and the Saxon Chronicle. There is a good glossary at the end."—Athenæum, Oct. 20. 1849.
ANGLO-SAXON.—GUIDE to the ANGLO-SAXON TONGUE; with Lessons in Verse and Prose. For the use of Learners. By E.J. VERNON, B.A., Oxon. 12mo. cloth, 5s. 6d.