It was supposed to have originally
adorned the walls of the Priory at Birkenhead. It measured fourteen and
a half by nine inches, in which space were the heads of a king and queen,
with uplifted hands, in prayer; their daughters also in prayer, and
looking very grim; a lamb, the slain dragon, and St. George, proudly
prancing on what looks like a donkey, brandishing a sword over his head.
The following is a legend inscribed on the inner margin of a curious old
box:--
"From Birkenhead into Hilbree
A squirrel might leap from tree to tree."
I do not know where Hilbree is; but all round Birkenhead a squirrel would
scarcely find a single tree to climb upon. All is pavement and brick
buildings now.
Good Friday.--The English and Irish think it good to plant on this day,
because it was the day when our Saviour's body was laid in the grave.
Seeds, therefore, are certain to rise again.
At dinner the other day, Mrs. ------ mentioned the origin of Franklin's
adoption of the customary civil dress, when going to court as a
diplomatist. It was simply that his tailor had disappointed him of his
court suit, and he wore his plain one with great reluctance, because he
had no other. Afterwards, gaining great success and praise by his
mishap, he continued to wear it from policy.
The grandmother of Mrs. ------ died fifty years ago, at the age of
twenty-eight. She had great personal charms, and among them a head of
beautiful chestnut hair.
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