1822.]

Antient Sphinx found at Colchester.

and remains brought from the Euphrates, no one symbol appears of a figure as the Egyptian Sphinx-and Babylon, as a kingdom and empire, arose to grandeur under Nebuchadnezzar. At which time, Egypt had run for centuries a long career in the Arts and Sciences, and was then adorned with those very edifices we now contemplate with astonishment and admiration. Under the wonderful conduct of Prophecy, we know that Nebuchadnezzar possessed himself of all Egypt, and all her treasures; which were costly enough to be termed, by God himself, the rewards of his labor against Tyre, and that he arrayed himself with all her spoils. The appearance, therefore, of Egyptian gems, bearing the Sphinx as an Egyptian monument, can far more reasonably be inferred to have originally passed from Egypt to Babylon, among her spoils, than to afford any proof demonstrative, that the mythological symbol was used at Babylon, no trace of which can be discovered in any other way, nor do we hear of the Babylonians being such engravers, as History and the Divine Writings prove the Egyptians always to have been. That Babylon copied from Egypt, is more probable, from the Colossus set up by Nebuchadnezzar in imitation of the Egyptian Statues in the plain of Gournou.

It would be unfair to embarrass this question with captious objections; but certain propositions laid down by Mr. Hay do not appear conclusive. Instead of proof that the Egyptians copied their hieroglyphic Sphinx from the Persepolitan Sculptures, there is every thing to say against it; and there are sufficient grounds in the respective mythologies of those countries for the origin of both. Instead of the probability of Egypt borrowing her symbols from the kingdom of Babylon, there are grounds to consider Babylon adopted some usages from Egypt, and possessed herself of all her treasures and monuments of costly value.

There do not appear sufficient traces of ruins remaining of a Temple at Colchester on the presumed scite, and yet the Sphinx was found so slightly covered, that if it had lain there undisturbed all the ages supposed, such traces most probably of building must appear also to confirm its associated <haracter.

111

There do not present data enough to class the Theban Sphinx with Temple decorations; and lastly the material, Purbeck or Swanage, proves that whatever hands sculptured it, the group is of British workmanship, and was executed in this island. How far its appearance warrants the conclusion of its high antiquity; and also if any similar statue in character and appropriations exists among the multitudinous collections of Italy and Europe in general, is very well worth investigating. No one would wish to throw a slur or imputation upon the subject as handled by Mr. Hay; notwithstanding there are possibilities that the figure, excellent as in many parts it manifestly is, may be of far different origin than its Historian claims for it, and care should be taken to ascertain these dubious points, ere it be admitted to rank as an unquestionable specimen of Roman sculpture.

E.

P. S. Since penning the foregoing remarks, the Writer has observed a Sphinx, No. 84 of the Greek and Roman Sculptures, in the British Museum, markedly resembling the features and size of the subject of Mr. Hay's memoir, but without any compound association of victim. The position is very similar, and it is designated as part of a Candelabrum, which appropriation was most probably the true one of the Colchester Sphinx, whether a genuine Roman subject, or a mere modern copy.

Mr. URBAN,

Feb. 4.

Established Church have been placed on a much more respectable footing than they were heretofore, by the statute passed during the late Mr. Pitt's administration; by which statute their stipends are proportioned to the population of the respective parishes, and the annual value of the benefices; yet when we take into consideration the previous expences of an universityeducation, and the funds subsequently necessary for upholding themselves as gentlemen, and maintaining an intercourse with the best society, it must be acknowledged that their present provision (where the parties have no private income) is not adequate to their station.

LTHOUGH the Curates of the

It may be said that they have always a resource in the education of youth;

but

112

On improving the Condition of Curates.-British Museum. [Feb.

but this is a mistake. Such numbers of the unbeneficed Clergy are engaged in this useful service, that in many places there is no prospect of success for others in the same line; or, if there were that prospect, the want of proper accommodation is often an insuperable bar. Again, objections may be made to the situation, as a residence for pupils, on the score of unhealthiness-or, it may be incompatible with the discharge of extensive parochial duty, or with the health of the parties themselves, to undertake this additional labour.

Hence it is much to be desired, that some plan were devised for a further amelioration of the condition of Curates; the promotion of whose interests would be followed by additional strength and support to the Church Establishment itself.

With this view, it is proposed that an accurate Register be kept by every Bishop, of the Curates residing in his diocese, annexing to each name the age; whether a bachelor or married; the length of time he has served in the Church, either in that or any other diocese-to the end that when a living becomes vacant, in the Bishop's gift, he may, at least sometimes, bestow it upon that individual in the aforesaid CURACY REGISTER, who has laboured the longest and most diligently in his calling. I say sometimes, for I am not for depriving the Hierarchy of a fair proportion of bias or favouritism towards friends and connexions. That is no more than natural. Only let not the Church-benefices always or for the most part go in that manner. As in the Army and Navy, so in the Church, let the subordinate officers, who have no family-interest-nothing to depend upon but their own exertions, be encouraged in their career by the hope of receiving, within a reasonable time, a due reward for their services. On the proposed plan, a portion of the Curates in every diocese would be certain of preferment. Yours, &c.

ΤΗ

A LAYMAN.

Mr. URBAN, Feb. 5. THE British Museum is become a subject of National consideration, not only because large sums have been very properly granted by Parliament for its extension and improvement, but because the Trustees have, in intention, done much towards rendering it fully answerable to its original pur

pose. The Librarians and Attendants deserve all praise.

There are yet circumstances which are not unworthy the notice of the Trustees; and nuisances which, in the common law phrase, they might be induced to abate.

I am a reader of many years standing, and when I quit my hermitage in the country, for a few weeks residence in town, my object is a laborious investigation of the rich MS stores which abound in the grand National Repository. Judge then, Sir, of my annoyance, when I describe to you what Mr. Dibdin would call the "locale" of the reading-room; or perhaps I might more happily imagine the author of the "Miseries of Human Life" placed for once in the said reading-room.

"Extract from my Diary, Jan. 15, 1822.

"Wind N. E. At half-past eleven A. M. arrived at the reading-room in the British Museum, in a glow from my walk of three miles-the weather sharp and frosty. Room a cube of 40 feet, with enormous sashwindows-whistling in the wind-take my seat at the board of Green-cloth. Look about for a clock-none :-look about for

the fire-place, descry a circle of chairs drawn round, and occupied; above them, close to the wall, two very tall automatons, roasting fillets of veal, and holding books bent quite backwards, up to their chins. Before the said chairs, I perceived, being determined on a nearer inspection, some Bond-street Dandies, enveloped in fur and lamb's-wool, and the chairs filled by tall school-boys, at home for the holydays, with dictionaries on their laps, and Virgils

in their hands!"

And thus (said I to myself) is this proud National advantage extended to me! who must spend at least four hours a day upon a tough manuscript, or never aspire to the fame of Gruterus. I must endure positive starvation, independently of certain feelings which every gentleman has, when restrained from taking immediate redress, he sees others persevering in the indulgence of selfishness, however offensive it may be.

The Reading-room ought not to be used merely as a library at a watering-place, notwithstanding ignorant young men may so conduct themselves.

I should be glad to see the following notice placed by authority, above the fire-place:-" Gentlemen (I repeat Gentlemen) are requested not to burn the backs of the books-nor their own." TOM HEARNE.

RIEVAULX

1822.] Rievaulx Abbey, eo. York.-Michel Dean, co. Gloucester.

WE avail ourselves, with pleasure, whole length; and the opposite wall the

114

Account of Michel Dean, co. Gloucester.

his father in Abinghall Chancel. The said Richard left issue Richard, Jonathan, Lazarus, Anna, and Elizabeth. Here lyeth also the said Richard his son, who died anno 1712, leaving issue Mary and Elizabeth. Here also lyeth the said Mary his daughter, who married with Thomas Wilkins, gent. and died March yo 3, 1722."

There are several monuments on the floor and against the North wall of the Church, of the Sargeaunts of HartsBarn, in the adjoining parish of Longhope and of this place, some as far back as 1632. Arms: Árg. a chevron between 3 dolphins Sable, impaling, Arg. a canton Ermine on a fess Sab. 3 etoiles of the field.

On the same North wall is a monument belonging to the family of Lane, of this town, of whom the first there mentioned died May 7, 1748. Arms defaced.

In the Chancel, on the right hand of the altar-piece, is a monument to the son of a Rector of the parish, with the following inscription:

"Hic conditur sub terræ cumulo Richardus Stringer, filius Ricardi Stringer, hujus Ecclesiæ Rectoris, et Elizabethæ uxoris, natus Deane Magnæ, educatus schola Colegia Glostriensis, nec non morte peremptus, Aprilis 12, anno salutis 1647,

ætatis suæ 15."

"Inspice, perlege, respice, plorave, condito,
lector
[mori.

Vivere et hinc discas, hinc quoque disce Nuper eram viridis, nunc nil nisi pulvis et umbra,

Est mihi sic hodie, cras tibi forsan erit." "The vernall spring-tide of my youthfull prime [time, Death's winter night, and laid to sleepe beSoon thro' the Zodiacke of life I ran, Yet was in science, though not years, a man; My life was short, not short but long my paine, gaine. Christ was my hope, my death not losse but Resurgam. Resplendescam." The father of the young man just noticed is buried in the Chancel.

On the left side of the Chancel is a handsome marble monument:

[Feb.

delight of all:-but weep not, ye surviving
relatives, since the superior qualifications of
her mind have at an early period secured, in
bliss immortal, a reward more than adequate
to the sufferings of a shortened life.
"Sleep soft in dust, wait the Almighty's will,
Then rise unchanged, and be an Angel still.'

"Near this place also are interred Charles Markey Blunt, Elizabeth and Thomas Blunt, sons and daughter of Thomas and Mary Blunt, who died in their infancy."

Opposite to the pulpit, on the South side, is a monument to the memory of John Palmer, joiner and citizen of London, late of this town, who died 18th June, 1784, aged 68; and also of his widow, who died 20 July, 1791, aged 77. Arms: Arg. a chevron between three purses Sable, stringed, bound, and tasseled Or.

Also a neat gallery with the following inscription:

"This gallery was erected by the Gentlemen of the Committee of the Charity-schools, for the use of the school founded by William Lane, esq. and also for the use of the school supported by voluntary contributions, Anno Domini 1790."

There are also various other monuments to the families of Stephens, Lewis, Cross, &c. which I forbear to trouble you with, as they are mostly printed in Bigland's "Collections for Gloucestershire."

The Font is a large massy stone, carved in the Gothic stile, without date, the name "Sarah Hartley” rudely carved on one side.

In the South-east corner is a niche for the purpose of holding water for ablution.

There was a small chantry dedicated to the Holy Trinity, whereof Henry Hooper was the last incumbent.

Five small parcels of land and some cottages are given for the repair of the Church, and for the use of the poor.

ter contains 225 baptisms, and 150 In ten years from 1699, the Regisburials; and in ten years from 1760, 188 baptisms, and 143 burials; and there were in 1779, 590 inhabitants. In ten years, ending 31st December, 1816, there have been 229 baptisms, including, since the commencement of the year 1813, 40 from the neighbour

"Sacred to the memory of Catherine Blunt, daughter of Thomas and Mary Blunt, of Abinghall in this county. She died the 1st day of November, 1793, aged 15 years. If a pleasing form, unspotted innocence, an amiable temper, engaging manners, calming Forest, and 126 burials, including fortitude, and pious resignation under the pain of a lingering illness, could have arrested the rude arm and softened the savage violence of Death, long would she have lived to the joy and consolation of her parents, the admiration of her friends, the

from the same time 8 from the Forest. The population taken accurately in October 1816, including women and children, was 448.

The poor rate in January 1817, was nearly equal to the rental.

The

1822.] Mrs. Gaskin.-The Spoliation of Antient Vaults censured.

The Forest of Deane contains about 33,000 acres, and the oak it produces is so excellent for the use of shipbuilding, that among the directions given to the famous Spanish Armada in the time of Queen Elizabeth, one was to destroy the timber in the Forest of Deane. Large inclosures and plantations of oak trees have lately been made. W. H. ROSSER.