Meaning of "Pension."—The following announcement appeared lately in the London newspapers:—
"GRAY'S INN.—At a Pension of the Hon. Society of Gray's Inn, holden this day, Henry Wm. Vincent, Esq., her Majesty's Remembrancer in the Court of Exchequer, was called to the degree of Barrister at Law."
I have inquired of one of the oldest benchers of Gray's Inn, now resident in the city from which I write, for an explanation of the origin or meaning of the phrase "pension," neither of which was he acquainted with; informing me at the same time that the Query had often been a subject discussed among the learned on the dais, but that no definite solution had been elicited.
Had the celebrated etymologist and antiquary, Mr. Ritson, formerly a member of the Society, been living, he might have solved the difficulty. But I have little doubt that there are many of the erudite, and, I am delighted to find, willing readers of your valuable publication who will be able to furnish a solution.
J.M.G.
Worcester.
Stars and Stripes of the American Arms.—What is the origin of the American arms, viz. stars and stripes?
JARLTZBERG.
Passages from Shakspeare.—May I beg for an interpretation of the two following passages from Shakspeare:—