[288] Orphic Hymn, lv., 5, 10, and 11.
[289] Courtney, Miss M. L., Cornish Feasts and Folklore, p. 136.
[290] From prehistoric times this ensign seems to have been known as “the Jack,” and the immutability of the fabulous element was evidenced anew during the present year when on 23rd April the Admiral on shore wirelessed to the Zeebrugge raiding force: “England and St. George”. To this was returned the reply: “We’ll give a twist to the dragon’s tail”.
[291] Since writing I find this surmise to be well founded. At the present moment there is a Persian cannon (A.D. 1547) captured at Bagdad, now on exhibition in London. It bears an inscription to the effect:—
“‘Succour is from God, and victory is at hand.’
The Commander of Victory and Help, the Shah,
Desiring to blot out all trace of the Turks,
Ordered Dglev to make this gun.
Wherever it goes it burns up lives,
It spits forth flames like a dragon.