A. R.
Birmingham.
The error of Coleridge, alluded to by your correspondent Alphage, is certainly not a little singular, especially as the word, in the sense of stone or marble, occurs in Ben Jonson, Drayton, and Sir John Harrington, and there is a good article on the word in Nares's Glossary. I must, however, altogether dissent from your correspondent's statement that the reason for the name of Touchstone is, that a musical sound may be produced by touching it sharply with a stick, and agree with Nares that it obtained its name from being used as a test for gold. See a very interesting article on Assay Marks by Mr. Octavius Morgan (Archæological Journal, ix. 127.), from which it appears that, for the trial of gold, touch-needles were applied to the touchstone.
Thompson Cooper.
Cambridge.
Eva, Princess of Leinster (Vol. vi., p. 388.).—O'Haloran, in his History of Ireland, says:
In 1168, Dermot Mac Murchad, King of Leinster, having carried away Dearbhorgie, wife of O'Ruark, prince of Breffin, was driven from his kingdom by the husband, assisted by the lady's father, the King of Meath.
"He arrived at Bristol, having obtained letters patent of Henry II. for any of the king's subjects to assist him against his enemies: but no one in Bristol was found able or willing to undertake such expedition, when Strongbow, Earl of Pembroke, who resided at Chepstow Castle, offered his assistance (Seyer's Memoirs of Bristol); and, in 1169, entered Ireland with two hundred knights and others, to the number of 1000. The object being effected, Strongbow was united to Eva, the daughter of Dermot; and, at that prince's death, became seised of Leinster."
By this it appears, that Dermot eloped with the lady in 1168; and, as Strongbow was united to Eva the following year, Eva consequently could not have been the offspring of that connexion. Who her mother was, I am unable to find out.
C. H.
Whipping Post (Vol. vi., p. 388.).—These mementos of the salutary mode of punishment practised by our forefathers, are of frequent occurrence. I have met with them in country villages in all parts of England with which I am acquainted. They generally accompany that place of "durance vile," the stocks; and occasionally have accommodation for two persons, I suppose to suit the various sizes of offenders.