Words contained in this Book, and that of Wallace. Glasgow: printed by Mr. A. Carmichael and A. Miller. MDCCXXXVII."
James P. Bryce.
[This work is by John Barbour (sometimes written Barber, Barbere, and Barbare), an eminent Scottish metrical historian. It has been said that he received his education at the Abbey of Aberbrothock, where he took orders, and obtained a living near Aberdeen. Dr. Henry supposes Barbour to have become Archdeacon of Aberdeen in 1356. It is probable he died towards the close of 1395. His poem has passed through several editions, and is considered of high historical value. The earlier editions are those of Edinburgh, 1616, 1670, 12mo. In 1790, Pinkerton published "the first genuine edition from a MS. dated 1489, with notes and a Glossary." The best edition, however, is that by Dr. Jamieson, with Notes, and Life of the Author, Edinb. 4to. 1820.]
Coronation Custom.—At the coronations of Henry IV. and Richard III. a ceremony was performed which seems to indicate some idea of the elective sovereignty in England. The archbishop stood at each of the four corners of the dais in succession, and asked from thence the consent of the assembled Commons (Heylin, Reform., 1st edit., p. 32.). Did this ever take place at the coronation of English monarchs whose succession was not disputed?
J. H. B.
[In after times this ceremony seems to be that called "The Recognition." Sandford, speaking of the coronation of James II., says, "The Archbishop of Canterbury standing near the king, on the east side of the theatre, his majesty, attended as before, rose out of his chair, and stood before it, whilst the archbishop, having his face to the east, said as follows: 'Sirs. I here present unto you King James, the rightful inheritor of the crown of this realm; wherefore all ye that are come this day to do your homage, service, and bounden duty, are ye willing to do the same?' From thence the said archbishop, accompanied with the lord keeper, the lord great chamberlain, the lord high constable, and the earl marshal (garter king of arms going before them), proceeded to the south side of the theatre, and repeated the same words; and from thence to the west, and lastly to the north side of the theatre, in like manner: the king standing all this while by his chair of state, toward the east side of the theatre, and turning his face to the several sides of the theatre, at such time as the archbishop at every of them spake to the people. At every of which the people signified their willingness and joy by loud acclamations.">[
William Warner.—Where can any account be found of Warner the poet, the author of Albion's England?
I. R. R.
[Some account of William Warner will be found in Wood's Athenæ Oxonienses. vol. i. pp., 765-773. (Bliss); also in Percy's Reliques of Ancient English Poetry, vol. ii. p. 261., edit. 1812. From the register of Amwell, in Herts, it appears that he died there March 9, 1608-9, "soddenly in the night in his bedde, without any former complaint or sicknesse;" and that he was "a man of good yeares and honest reputation; by his profession an attorney at the Common Please."—Scott's Amwell, p. 22. note.]
"Isle of Beauty."—Who was the author of "Isle of Beauty?" I always thought Thomas Haynes Bayly, but some say Lord Byron. Not knowing Mrs. Bayly's immediate address, I send this Query. I much regret not asking her when I sent my volume of poems, with view of poor Bayly's Grove, Cheltenham.