THOMAS CRAWFURD.

Can any of your readers inform me when Mr. Thomas Crawfurd was the Professor of Philosophy in the University of Edinburgh? In a Scotch Peerage, by Mr. George Crawfurd, published in 1716, there is a Latin epigram by him on the armorial bearings of the Crawfurds of Kilbirny in Ayrshire, one of whom was created Viscount Garnock by Queen Anne, in the second year of her reign. The description of the armorial bearings is as follows in the same peerage, under the head Crawfurd, Viscount of Garnock—

"Quarterly 1st and 4th gules, a fess ermine. 2nd and 3rd azure, a Cheveron betwixt three Cross Patées Or, supported by two Grayhounds. Crest, an ermine Argent. Motto, 'Sine labe nota.'"

The author then adds,—

"A learned gentleman of this name [2] paraphrased this coat of arms in these fine elegiacs—

"Sanguineum scutum præcingit balteus albens,

Quem variant nigræ sed sine labe notæ.

Sic labem ut vitet, mustela Armenica strictum

In ferrum et structos non timet ire rogos.

Martia vis animi, vacuum formidine pectus,

Cana fides, nulla labe notatus honos.

Hæc Crafurdiacæ gentilia symbola stirpis,

Artibus his veteres emicuere patres."

[2] Mr. Thomas Crawfurd, Professor of Philosophy in the University of Edinburgh.

I subjoin the following translation:

"A blood-red scutcheon with a white belt bound,

Which black spots chequer, though no stain is found:

Thus will the ermine strive a soil to shun,

On steel unsheath'd, and 'mid the flames will run:

Great strength of mind, a breast that knows not fear,

Fair Faith, and honour from all blemish clear:

These kindred qualities the Crawfurds own,—

In arts like these of yore their sires have shone."

C. S. T. P.

Oxford.