The above is in Italic type, and the body of the tract consists of only the first part of Absalom and Achitophel, as ordinarily printed: allowing for misprints (which are tolerably numerous), the poem stands very much the same as in several common editions I have at hand. My Query is, Is the work known to have been so published "for the benefit of the poor," and in order to give it greater circulation, and what is the explanation of the "Advertisement?"
THE HERMIT OF HOLYPORT.
N.B. A short "Key" follows the usual address "To the Reader."
MINOR QUERIES.
Edward the Confessor's Crucifix and Gold Chain.—In 1688 Ch. Taylour published A Narrative of the Finding St. Edward the King and Confessor's Crucifix and Gold Chain in the Abbey Church of St. Peter's, Westminster. Are the circumstances attending this discovery well known? And where now is the crucifix and chain?
EDWARD F. RIMBAULT.
The Widow of the Wood.—Benjamin Victor published in 1755 a "narrative" entitled The Widow of the Wood. It is said to be very rare, having been "bought up" by the Wolseleys of Staffordshire. What is the history of the publication?
EDWARD F. RIMBAULT.
Cardinal Erskine.—I am anxious to obtain some information respecting Cardinal Erskine, a Scotchman, as his name would impart, but called Cardinal of England? I suppose he was elevated to the sacred college between Cardinal Howard, the last mentioned by Dodd in his Church History, and the Cardinal of York, the last scion of the house of Stuart.