Although I am both light and small,
I will be heard above you all.
S. Mary’s, at Devizes, has another version—
I am the first, altho’ but small,
I will be heard above you all.
Again, names of donors are often inscribed upon bells, and these are handed down to us from very early dates; or sometimes the fact of subscription is mentioned in general terms of gratitude. So Bagborough, Somerset, says—
Bouth owld and young did agree full well
To pay for casting of this bell,
Because a true tale it should tell.
And Bath Abbey has a very terse bell couplet,
All you of Bath that heare mee sound
Thank Lady Hopton’s hundred pound.
A Devon bell has—
Squire Arundel the great my whole expense did raise,
Nor shall our tongues abate to celebrate his praise.
These hints, or downright references on bells to the pecuniary means of their erection, may be supplemented by the inscription at Buxted, which promises as follows—