Mr. Editor,—The following question was put to me by a clergyman and a scholar, who, like myself, takes an interest in the subject of Bells. At first sight I fancied that a satisfactory answer could easily be given: but I found that I was mistaken, and I shall be very glad if any of your correspondents will favour me with a solution of the difficulty.
Can you define what is a Peal? Of course we know what is meant by a Peal of Bells, and to ring a Peal; but I want it defined as to duration, mode of ringing it, &c. &c. None of the old writers explain what they mean by ringing a Peal.
ALFRED GATTY.
Ecclesfield Vicarage, Dec. 11. 1849.
Lines quoted by Goethe.
If any of your readers can inform me who is the author of the following lines, quoted by Goethe in his Autobiography, he will greatly oblige me:—
"Then old age and experience, hand in hand,
Lead him to death, and make him understand,
After a search so painful and so long,
That all his life he has been in the wrong."