Middle Temple.
Blackguard (Vol. ii., p. 134.).—An early instance of the use of this word occurs in a letter from Richard Topcliffe (Aug. 30, 1578), printed in Lodge's Illustrations, vol. ii. p. 188. I quote from Mr. Jardine's Criminal Trials, vol. ii. p. 13.: "His house, Euston, far unmeet for her Highness, but fitter for the Black Guard."
It also occurs in Fuller's Church History (Book ix. cent. xvi. sect. vii. § 35. vol. v. p. 160. ed. Brewer):—"For who can otherwise conceive but such a prince-principal of darkness must be proportionably attended with a black guard of monstrous opinions?"
J.E.B. MAYOR.
Scala Coeli (Vol. i., pp. 366. 402. 455.).—Maundrell mentions, "at the coming out of Pilate's house, a descent, where was anciently the Scala Sancta." (Journey from Aleppo to Jerusalem, p. 107.) This holy or heavenly stair was that by which the Redeemer was led down, by order of Pilate, according to the legend, and afterwards was, among other relics, carried to Rome. It is now in the Church of St. John Lateran, whither it is said to have been brought by St. Helena from Jerusalem. Pope Alexander Vl., and his successor Julius, granted to the Chapel of St. Mary built by King Henry VII., in Westminster Abbey—
"Easdem indulgencias et peccatorum remissiones ... quas Celebrantes pro Defunctis in Capellâ Scala Coeli nuncupatâ in Ecclesiâ Trium Fontium extra muros Urbis Cisterciensis Ordinis ... consequuntur."
This indulgence of Pope Julius was dated in the year 1504; and its intention of drawing thither pilgrims and offerings was fully realised, we may believe: for in the year 1519 we find the brotherhood of St. Mary of Rouncevall by Charing Cross paying:—
"To the keper of Scala Celi in the Abby ... vjd."
(See Rymer's Foedera, tom. v. pt. iv.; and Dugdale's Monasticon, vol. i. p. 320.)
MACKENZIE WALCOTT, M.A. Oxon.