Saffron-Walden.
Story of the Greek referred to by Jeremy Taylor (Vol. iv., pp. 208. 262. 326.).
—It may interest those correspondents of "N. & Q." who, in answer to my Query on the above point, have given references to similar stories in Don Quixote, and the life of St. Nicholas in the Legenda Aurea, to learn that I have lately traced the story to its real source, on which probably the parallel versions in question were based. The name of the Greek was Archetimus of Erythræa; that of the victim of the artifice Cydias of Tenedos. The story is given at length in the Loci Communes J. Stobæi, Antonii Melissæ, et Maximi Monachi, cura Gesner, Serm. cxvi. p. 362. ed. fol. Francof. 1581.
ALEXANDER TAYLOR.
Emaciated Monumental Effigies (Vol. v., p. 247.).
—The legend repeated to me whilst viewing the tomb of John Baret, some few years since, is somewhat different from that related by your correspondent BURIENSIS. A portion of the roof over the tomb is elaborately diapered with stars of lead gilt, collars of SS., and a monogram of the letters I.B., together with the motto, "Grace me governe." (A specimen of the diaper is given in Collings' Gothic Ornaments, 4to., London, 1848.) The sexton informed me that the person commemorated by the emaciated figure had undertaken to diaper the whole roof of the church in a manner similar to the work above his tomb; but, on discovering that his life would be insufficient for the task, was so affected that he starved himself to death. I presume that Bant is a misprint for Baret, in p. 247. of your present volume.
The tradition alluded to by your correspondent has been, I believe, attached by some to the emaciated figure at St. Saviour's, Southwark. A good example of this kind of memorial is found in the ante-chapel of St. John's College Chapel, Cambridge.
What foundation is there for the account, that the superb roof of St. Mary's, Bury St. Edmund's, was constructed in France, and put together after it was brought to England?
W. SPARROW SIMPSON.