MARK ANTONY LOWER.
[NARES defines Daysman, an umpire or arbitrator, from his fixing a day for decision; and adds, "Mr. Todd shows that day sometimes meant Judgment." Jacob, in his Law Dictionary, tells us, "Days-man signifies, in the North of England, an arbitrator or person chosen to determine an affair in dispute, who is called a Dies-man or Days-man." Jacob's definition may be again illustrated from NARES:—"In Switzerland (as we are informed by Simlerus) they had some common arbitrators, or dayesmen, in every towne, that made a friendly composition betwixt man and man."—Burton, Anat.]
Roland Monoux.—In answer to your correspondent "M", p. 137., the monumental brass in his possession is, no doubt, from the church at Edmonton, Middlesex. Lysons (Environs of London, vol. ii. p. 263.), in his description of Edmonton Church, says, "Near the door is a brass plate, with some English verses to the memory of ROLAND MONOUX (no date)." He subjoins, in a note, "arms—on a chevron betw. 3 oak-leaves as many bezants, on a chief 2 anchors, a market for difference. On the brass plate are some English verses, nowise remarkable."
These arms (omitting the chief) are those borne by the Baronet Monnoux of Sandy in Bedfordshire (extinct in 1814), who was descended from Sir George Monox, of Walthamstow, Lord Mayor of London, who died in 1543, to whom and his lady there are brasses in Walthamstow Church. ROLAND of Edmonton was doubtless of the same family. I am not able to give an opinion of the date of the brass in question; but it might be readily conjected from the style of its execution.
Your readers will, I am sure, all unite with me in commendation of your correspondent "M's" correct feeling in offering to restore this monument to its original site. I hope "M's" example will find many followers. There are hundreds of these pillaged brasses in the hands of "collectors," and your admirable publication will have effected a great public good, if it shall have been instrumental in promoting their restoration.
Cambridge, Jan. 1. 1850.
E. VENTRIS.
Ancient Motto.—In reference to a query (No. 6. p. 93.), and a reply (No. 7. p. 104.), permit me to remark, that St. Augustine, the celebrated Bishop of Hippo, was the person who caused to be engraved on his table the distich against detractors. Possidius, in his Life of that Father (S. Augustini, Opera Omnia, Paris, 1690, vol. x. part ii. p. 272.), gives the verses—no doubt an adaptation of Horace—thus:—
"Quisquis amat dictis absentum rodere vitam
Hanc mensam indignam noverit esse sibi."