Showing posts with label HISTORY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HISTORY. Show all posts

CANCER-THE CRAB

 


CANCER-THE CRAB 

THE SIGNS OF THE ZODIAC 

By C.J. BLAKE

THE word which stands at the head of this paper, suggests to us the thought of a very terrible disease, rather than of a brilliant constellation; but we must recollect, that cancer means a crab, and that the disease in question is so called because of the supposed resemblance of the tumour, which is its seat to a crab with outstretched claws. Crabs were as well known to the ancients, as they are to ourselves, for they have been found at all times and in all parts of the earth, and they are spoken of as being a common article of food amongst the Romans. They are of various kinds; from the little pea-crab, which crawls into the shell of a cockle or mussel, and there makes a home for itself. to the large crab found in the seas around the coast of Japan, which measures ten feet between the tips of its nippers or fore-claws.
Many of these creatures are very curious in their habits; for instance, there is the land crab, which burrows in the earth like a rabbit, and only visits the sea once a year, for the purpose of depositing its spawn or eggs; and the robber crab, which is found in the Coral Islands. eats cocoa-nuts, and was formerly supposed to climb the tall cocoa palms, to bring the nuts down. But it is not certain that robber crabs can really do this, though they have often been seen to strip the outside fibre from fallen nuts, in order to find the soft spots, or eye-holes at the top. Inserting a claw into one these holes, they manage to scoop out the contents of the nut and so to furnish themselves with food. 
 The hermit crab, again, steals the shells of creatures for itself, sometimes taking the shell of a dead fish, and sometimes killing the living owner of the shell. 
Though we have not these strange kinds of crabs in our own country, we can observe the common or shore crab, which is itself a very singular creature. Young crabs do not much resemble their grown-up relations; there is almost as much difference between a young crab and an old one, as between a tadpole and a frog. As the young grow older they cast or moult the shell, and every time they do so, the new shell grows firmer and stronger. If they happen through accident to lose a claw, they have also the happen power of producing a new limb in its place. 
The people of old looked at these queer creatures, with their ten legs, of which the first pair form the nippers, their eyes set on stalks in their heads, and fitting into their shells when not in use and curious way of walking or propelling along. They said that the crab walked backwards, and though this is not exactly true, they thought that it was so.
Then they went on to consider that the sun in heaven after going as far as he possibly could towards the north, was now coming towards the Equator, and that the time of  hot weather was at hand. 
So they took the crab for the sign of the summer solstice, or period of heat; and they found a constellation, or group of stars, in that part of the heavens to which the sun had attained, which to their minds resembled a crab, with its nippers, and other claws, and its flat body and short tail.
You will sometimes learn in your geography lessons about the Tropic of Cancer, and perhaps you will remember then, that the tropic is the line which marks the sun's backward course towards the Equator, and consequently the region of heat. CJ BLAKE 

References:
Chatterbox 1903



GEMINI- THE TWINS

 


GEMINI- THE TWINS 

SIGNS OF THE ZODIAC 

By C.J. BLAKE 

THE year of the Zodiac did not begin in January, as ours does; the first month, of which as you will remember, Aries, the Ram, was the sign was the month of March. We are accustomed to begin the year in the midst of winter, but to the ancients who regulated everything by what they saw in the natural world around them, the spring with its budding and blossoming of fresh life, appeared the most fitting time for a new year to begin. The third sign. that of the Heavenly Twins. therefore indicates the month of May. 
The notion of double or twin stars was a very common one amongst the ancient astronomers, and indeed many stars are so called to-day. These double stars are not really close together, they are often thousands of miles apart .Still they are not separated by the immense distances in space, which divide other stars, and as seen from our earth, even through powerful telescopes, they appear to be so close to one another, as to deserve the name of twin stars.
When, in process of time, the knowledge of the signs of the Zodiac passed from the Chaldeans and Egyptians to the other great nations of antiquity, the Greeks and Romans made interesting legends about the two infant boys who were represented as the third sign. The Greeks thought that they stood for Castor and Pollux , two sons of their great god Zeus or Jupiter. They said that these boys, because of their heavenly parentage were wonderfully strong powerful; that Castor as he grew up became able to accomplish all possible feats of horsemanship to tame and drive or ride the most fiery and unmanageable steeds, and that Pollux was the champion of all boxers and wrestlers. The Greeks as well as the Romans, believed that in their battles two mysterious warriors, riding on white horses, armed with spears and wearing stars in their helmets, often appeared to encourage and aid the soldiers, and that these two visitors from another world were Castor and Pollux, the heavenly twins. 
 Then the Romans had another story, in which the twins stood for Romulus and Remus, the supposed founders of the city of Rome. They told how these children, when infants were deserted by their mother, and how a she-wolf nursed them, and took care of them, until they were found by a good old shepherd named Faustulus, who took them home to his wife. 
When these boys grew up, they too were very strong and warlike. They agreed together to build a city, and when they had done so, Romulus resolved to fortify it, and to this end built a wall, and dug a ditch or trench round, to keep it safe. But Remus laughed at his brother's efforts, and jumped over the ditch to show how worthless was such a protection. This so enraged Romulus, that he killed his brother Remus and reigned over the city himself. 
We cannot now place faith in such stories as these, but the people of old believed them, and thought of them, when hen they looked up to the stars, or when they made the sign of Gemini upon their plans of the heavenly sphere. CJ BLAKE 
References:
Chatterbox 1903
 

SO FUNNY

 


SO FUNNY - Anthropology of 1776

HAVE you ever seen a n. in the street and thought how funny he looked, with his thick lips, his sooty face, and his woolly black hair? I dare say you have- and, perhaps, laughed out loud, too- and wondered why some people are made with such very queer faces! Well, now listen to me and I will tell you a true story that was told to me. 
A kind clergyman, much interested in n., brought home two lads with him from Africa, meaning to have them educated in England. They were intelligent and well behaved, and they accompanied him by special invitation, to the house of the first friend he visited. At morning prayer the lads, already instructed in such matters, folded their hands as usual, and sat, gravely awaiting the reading of the passage of Scripture. Suddenly, without apparent reason, a broad smile broke over the countenance of one darkey, followed by a titter from the other; and as their mirth could not be concealed, the service was stopped, and the clergyman told them to state what it was amused them so much.
'There! There!', cried both the lads at once, bursting into fits of laughter; 'very much funny! Sambo must laugh!' 
And what do you think it was that amused them so much? The four little red-headed daughters of their host, who were sitting gravely opposite the n. lads. The Africans had never seen red hair before. I do not think it is necessary for me to point out the moral of this anecdote.
H.A.F. 

References:
Chatterbox 1876

GENEROSITY OF NAPOLEON

 


GENEROSITY OF NAPOLEON -TRUE STORY

DURING the campaign of the great Napoleon Bonaparte in Italy in 1796, an incident occurred which showed that he could be generous, as well as stern, and brave. 
It was during the night after the repulse of the Austrians at Arcola, a small borough in Lombardy, that the General was walking taking a survey. As he was the General was walking through his camp and taking a survey. As he was on his way, he noticed a sentinel asleep. Instead of waking him, he took the soldier's musket lightly from him, and, going on guard, waited till some one should relieve him. After a time the soldier woke up. Great was his horror and surprise on seeing the General under whom he was serving pacing up and down the beat! He exclaimed with terror, 'Bonaparte, I am lost!' The good-natured General replied smiling: 'Be easy, my friend; you are a brave man, and deserve some sleep. But next time wait for a better chance.'
E.J.W.  

References:
Chatterbox 1896

AN EXPENSIVE MOUSE NEST

 


AN EXPENSIVE MOUSE NEST - A TRUE STORY

ON opening a box of cigars a few weeks ago, the nest of a mouse was discovered inside, containing several young ones, and about ninety cigars had been converted into chaff for nesting material. 

References:

Chatterbox 1876

TAURUS- THE BULL

ZODIAC- TAURUS- THE BULL 
By C.J. BLAKE

THE Chaldeans had amongst them stories of some of the things of which we have the record in our own Scriptures. It appears from their curious writings, which have come down to us, that they had heard of the tree of knowledge in the Garden of Eden, and of the temptation of the first man and woman, and that they had also some account of Noah's Flood.
They did not write in books but on cylinders and tiles, formed by burnt clay, and marked with some sharp pointed instrument. After being buried under the earth for thousands of years, many of these writings have been discovered, dug up, and sent to London to the British Museum. Though they looked like a mere heap of fragments of broken brick. covered with scratches and marks. they were found by Mr George Smith, a very clever man, who sorted them and learned to read them, to be written all over with words, full of meaning. 
The buildings of the Chaldeans were of brick like the cylinders and tiles, upon which they wrote. Some of them were raised extremely high, built up storey upon storey, till they formed lofty towers. On the tops of the towers were the observatories, from which the priests, who were also the men of science, watched the movements of the stars. The second sign they chose for the Zodiac, was that of Taurus, the Bull. The bull, as well as the ram, was considered a sacred animal. Images of winged bulls were placed at the gates of palaces and temples, and were supposed to protect kings in their palaces, and worshippers in the temples, and to keep out wicked and ill-disposed persons.
The Egyptians too, another very great and ancient nation, knew of the Zodiac, and used the twelve signs, together with a similar division of time to that employed by the Chaldeans. The early Egyptians lived a very happy and peaceful life their country; their country was fruitful, and they employed themselves in cultivating the ground, and rearing large numbers of sheep and cattle.
These people had at first true and pure thoughts about religion; they believed in God. and reverenced all living creatures, even insects, because life was in them, and life could only come from God. Especially they held cattle sacred, and paid extreme honour to the bull. They were therefore at one with the Chaldeans in choosing Taurus, the Bull, as the second of the heavenly signs.  
The mark, employed to denote the sign of Taurus, is still used by astronomers, as you may see, if you at an astronomical globe or chart, when you have the chance.  

References:
Chatterbox 1903

A NEST IN A GUN

 


A NEST IN A GUN - TRUE STORY

BIRDS often choose very strange places for nests; a couple are said to have tried to in the funnel of a railway engine, and it is not uncommon to find some bold enough to make a nest the very scarecrow which is meant to frighten them away!

But perhaps the most unlikely place of all is the muzzle of a cannon. When Cromwell seized held Windsor Castle, he planted a big gun in Curfew Tower to overawe the town of Windsor, and to command the bridge over the river Thames. Cromwell's gun has been out-of-date for many a year, and to fire it now would have a very unusual effect, for right in the mouth of the cannon a pair starlings have year after year built their nest. The keepers of the Tower do not allow the birds to be disturbed and in the very room from which, in old days, the gun used to roar at the Royalists, the parent starlings teach their little ones to fly. 

Reference:

1. Chatterbox 1903

 

THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS OF JAPAN

 


THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS OF JAPAN 

THEIR SEASON A PERIOD OF FESTIVITY AND POETRY 

No other flower in all the world is so beloved. so exalted. so worshiped as sa-kura-no-hana. the cherry blossom of Japan. It is not only the national flower, but the symbol of purity, the emblem of chivalry, and knightly honor ,the crest of a cult the vernal celebration, of which has been observed with unflagging zeal for at least two thousand years. 

 


It is Japan's own flower ,more omnipresent than the chrysanthemum and indigenous to the soil of the Yamato hillsides and to the heart of the home provinces, that surround Nara and Kioto. It did not come from China.

Except Fujiyama and the moon, no other object has been theme and inspiration of so many millions of Japanese poems, as the cherry blossom, and progress and modernity have not lessened its hold on the hearts of the whole people. All the emperors, the one hundred poets, and all other immortals have sung its praises, and in the trenches and dugouts, and on the battle plains of Manchuria, the soldiers made festival trees with bits of pink paper, or hailed a blooming crab apple tree as the nearest substitute for their home blossoms. Painters, decorators, designers, artists, and artisans of every degree and kind, have employed the flowers and buds more than those of any other tree. 

Forty cherry blossom crests are found in books of heraldry, and a cherry blossom superimposed on a chrysanthemum is the insignia of one of the princely houses. The young peers at the Nobles School wear a metal cherry blossom on their caps and collars, and in April, all the sweets and cakes and half the pretty things one eats are in the shape of the five petaled flower, or at least are ornamented with it.

References:

THE CENTURY MAGAZINE 1909

   

I-THE GAY GORDONS

 I-THE GAY GORDONS -EMN 


FROM SCOTTISH STORY 

IF you went to a Scottish town some years ago-perhaps in some smaller villages even now-you would have felt some wonder as to what people's names really were, for everybody would seem to be supplied with a nick-name, which was much more used than the real Christian name or surname. If you lived in the town, and your name happened to be, we will say. James Stewart, you would very seldom be called that, except by strangers; you would be simply 'Jamie' to most people. If you were a prosperous and enter prising grocer, you might be known as 'Jelly Jamie,' or as it would be pronounced there, 'Jeally Jamie,' while a rival at the other end of the town might be 'Treacle Tam.' If you were the butcher's assistant. you would be spoken of as 'Jamie Butcher'; or if  you kept a small shop with all manner of odds, and ends for sale, you would be 'Jamie a things,' or, perhaps, 'Can'le Jamie.' if people sent to you for their candles.

Then perhaps your Christian name itself might be lost sight of; if you were fond of animals, and always kept dogs, for instance you would certainly be called 'Doggie,' or, perhaps, 'Doggie Stewart'. If you you had a peculiarity in your gait, a way of walking stiffly, you might resign yourself to be known as 'Wooden-legs,' and your very cat would be known as 'Wooden-legs' cat'. 
Mr J.M. Barrie tells us of a man who was never called anything but 'Weary-warld,' because he had a habit of saying, 'It's a weary warld and naebody bides in it.'

Now, in reading Scottish history, one cannot help being struck with this liking for nick-names. In English history there are such names too (we have all heard of 'Longshanks' and 'Rufus,' of 'Crook-back,' pack and of 'The King-maker,' but they are very few in comparison. 
One King of Scotland had a very large head; he was called Malcolm Canmore, or Bighead. Another had had a large red mark on his cheek and was nick-named 'Fiery-face.' A queen was famed for her beauty,and is known to this day as 'The Bonnie Queen,' and one of her descendants is seldom spoken of but as 'Bonnie Prince Charlie.'

Another famous name arose thus; a meeting of Scottish nobles once took place, to decide what was to be done to get the king (James III)out of the hands of unworthy favourites . All agreed that some thing must be done, but the question was- who was to do it?  Lord Gray told the well-known fable of the mice and the cat. 'The mice agreed, that a bell should be hung round the cat's neck, to warn them of his approach; the question was, who would bell the cat?' When he had finished speaking. Archibald, Earl of Angus, rose and said: 'I understand the meaning of the story, and I will bell the cat.' The result was that in the pages of history you will find this powerful Earl of Angus always referred to as 'Old Archibald Bell-the cat.' 
These are just a few examples of what individuals were called; families, clan,s and even towns had in the same way their nick-names, which were given to them for some famous action or other, and which clung to them for many generations. The names survive to this day in many cases, and nearly all the great clans and families have special adjectives, applied to them. You will hear in these tales from Scottish story how some of the most famous of these titles arose, and how the bearers of them lived up to their nick-names.

For the last year or two, every now and then, there have been references in the newspapers and magazines to 'gallant Gordons' and 'gay gallant Gordons,' when the bravery of our Gordon High landers was spoken of all over England and the Empire. But in the old ballads of Scotland, there seems to be no other title for them than 'Gay Gordons.' There is a ballad called 'Glenlogie' which gives one an idea of how the title may have been used.  

A certain lady, 'Jean Melville,' went to court; among the king's knights she saw a very handsome young manM with whom she fell in love at first sight. She asked about him and was told he was one of the 'gay Gordons,' being John Gordon of Glenlogie; in those days people were just called by the name of their estates,and he was known as 'Bonnie Glenlogie'. Lady Jean admired him very much, and at last she told him so. But the gay Gordon 'turned about lightly, as the Gordons does a' ' (they must have been noted for their easy, gay self-possession, and way of speaking), said 'I thank you Lady Jean, but my love's promised awa.' This was a sad blow to poor Lady Jean, and she became so ill with grief, that her parents thought her dying. They had tried to reason with her at first, telling her there were other men better and richer than Glenlogie, but she only said that could not be- 'Glenlogie, dear mither, Glenlogie for me.' At last they wrote to Glenlogie, and told him what had happened. When he began to read the letter, at first Glenlogie laughed (like a true gay Gordon), but before he had finished, 'a tear was in his e' e'; he rode away to fair Lady Jean, who soon got well at the sight of him, and the song says 'They had a merry wedding.' It tells us no more of the other lady whom Glenlogie loved.

But the Gordons were 'gay' in matters far different from this. Wherever there was fighting, Gordon seems to have been there, either as principal, or ally, perhaps most often as ally for one. Gordon at least is said to have declared he never drew sword for a quarrel of his own. We read also that in the days when English and Scottish knights used to meet and fight on the border between the two countries, the great Earl of Douglas prepared for a raid into England; the helpers he picked out and invited to come on his side, were 'the Lindsays light,' and with them the Gordons gay; such stern fighting took place on both sides that the Douglas himself was killed, but his side won the dav. 

The love of music seems also to have been a characteristic of the Gordons; many of the strathspeys, reels, and laments are named after them. 'The Cock of the North,' a tune which was much heard a little time ago. was a popular title of the Duke of Gordon

The Gordons were always Royalists, and fought bravely for their king. One Gordon is said to have died of a broken heart, after the execution of Charles I., another is said to have cried, 'You may take my head from my shoulders, but not my heart from the king.' 
By M SINCLAIR 

References:
1.Chatterbox No 1 New Series 1903 




EXPENSIVE THRIFT

 EXPENSIVE THRIFT. 


PROVERB

 I am afraid I have been penny wise and pound foolish.
     A Scottish proverb
Litography; THE PENSIONER'S GRAND CHILD 
Author uknown circa 1903.

References:

1.Chatterbox No 1 New Series 1903 

.


EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND SEVENTY

 381.

It was a cruel thing for De Wimpffen 
To find himself, on taking the command,
To find himself on taking the command 
Called on, as his first act, to use his pen, 
To pledge his army to another's hand;
He wished himself in Africa again, 
Or in the deserts of some foreign land, 
Rather than bear what he believed a stigma, 
Which atom, man, looks on as an enigma.

382.

MacMahon. when the balls began to fly. 
Was spared this sad position, for he got 
Most seriously aggrieved about the thigh;
By an exploded shell the Prussians shot; 
And being laid upon his back, the high 
Command reverted to De Wimpffen's lot;
Who just arrived in time for the occasion 
To sign the deed ycleped capitulation. 

383.  

It was a strait indeed, be what his station, 
For man to be put in, the soldiers mad 
For man to be put in the soldiers 
At the idea of such an enodation 
To generalship incapable and bad;
To generalship incapable and bad 
What could be done, when every elevation 
Was by the foe's investing battery clad;
Six hundred cannons, eager too to throw 
Their liquid flames and lay the ramparts low?   

384. 

As all was lost save honour there remained 
Of the alternatives but one to choose;
The Gallic army must be either brained, 
Or it must be tied up within a noose; 
The latter being more pleasing, it obtained  
Most favour, from the chances it set loose, 
That the surviving captives might defray 
The debt they owed the foe some other day. 

11652.438 
11652.b38 

1.References:
EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND SEVENTY A Poem CANTO I LONDON CIVIL SERVICE PRINTING AND PUBLISHING COMPANY LIMITED 8 SALISBURY COURT FLEET STREET E.C.
LONDON CIVIL SERVICE PRINTING AND PUBLISHING COMPANY LIMITED 8 SALISBURY COURT FLEET STREET EC  

  
    

SONG ON THE BATTLE OF ST VINCENT

 SONG ON THE BATTLE OF ST VINCENT 14TH FEBRUARY 1797 

Tune: HEARTS OF OAK ARE OUR SHIPS  


SAID Neptune one day, when conversing with Mars, 
"You boast of your landsmen, I boast of my tars:
"Lo! these ships of proud Spain, see how pompous they ride!
"Now mark how my Britons shall humble their pride.
          "My Jervis shall maul them, let Spain no more brag; 
          "His force is inferior, 
           "His courage superior,
"And Vict'ry shall perch upon Jervis's flag." 

He spoke-and, behold the, two fleets hove in sight, 
And Jervis, preparing with coolness to fight, 
His tars with true courage first strove to inspire, 
Then rush'd on the Spaniards, in thunder and fire. 
       The Britons now maul, them let Spain no more brag; 
       Our force was inferior, 
       Our courage superior,
And Victory soar'd over Jervis's flag. 


Our sailors struck home and well pointed their guns, 
Dread carnage ensu'd, and they pepper'd the dons; 
Each man was a hero, a true British tar, 
Whose ship is his home, whose amusement is war. 
        Brave Jervis has maul'd her, let Spain no more brag; 
        His force was inferior, 
        His courage superior, 
And Victory perch 'd upon Jervis's flag. 

Mars view'd this engagement; then said, "By the Styx, 
"My standard 'mongst Britons for ever I'll fix; 
"Like Romans they fight, and their souls are all fire.
 "And battles like this even gods must admire. 
           "These Britons shall conquer, no nation shall brag; 
           "With forces inferior, 
            "They've courage superior, 
"And Vict'ry shall perch on Britannia's flag.

"In my bosom, says Neptune, "this nation I keep;" 
"Her sons are my fav'rites, her walls are the deep; 
"Their king is my friend ,and great GEORGE, under me," 
"A trident shall wield,- my vicegerent at sea.
           "My Britons shall conquer, no nation shall brag; 
           "With forces inferior, 
           "They've courage superior, 
"And Vict'ry shall rest on Britannia's proud flag." 

The following deities, to judge from the few remains that relate to them, were sparingly invoked. There are altars to Neptune and Oceanus at Newcastle; to Diana at Bath. New stead, and Caerleon, where also a tablet records the rebuildng of a temple to her; to Aesculapius at Lanchester, and Maryport ,while at Binchester he is associated with his daughter Salus, and she alone is the subject of an altar at Caerleon; and to Bellona, goddess of war, at Old Carlisle, and according to Spartian, she had a temple at York. The Parcae or Fates have altars at Carlisle and Lincoln; and the god who brought undertakings to a suc- cessful issue, Bonus Eventus, is occasionally associated with Fortuna and other deities. 

References:

1. REMAINS HISTORICAL & LITERARY CONNECTED WITH THE PALATINE COUNTIES OF LANCASTER AND CHESTER PUBLISHED BY THE CHETHAM SOCIETY 1.5 VOL XLV PRINTED FOR THE CHETHAM SOCIETY M DCCC LVIII 
2.SIGHT SINGING FOR SCHOOLS Adapted to the Requirements of the New Code of 1883 LONDON NATIONAL SOCIETY'S PEPOSITORY BROAD SANCTUARY WESTMINSTER 1884-17420 f - 3 
3.THE ROMAN ERA IN BRITAIN BY JOHN WARD MA FSA AUTHOR OF "ROMANO-BRITISH BUILDINGS AND EARTHWORKS." WITH SEVENTY SEVEN ILLUSTRATIONS BY THE AUTHOR SECOND EDITION METHUEN & CO LTD 36 ESSEX STREET WC LONDON First Published Second Edition August 1911 1920  

 

LAUNCH OF LA HOGUE

 LAUNCH OF LA HOGUE 


On Thursday the 3d of October, la Hogue a 74 gun ship, was launched at the King's yard, Deptford, amidst thousands assembled to witness the ceremony. The launch was as usual. decorated with the Royal Standard, the Union, St George's Ensign, and the Admiralty Flag. She is a fine ship and appeared a finished model of neatness: The stern and quarter galleries are remarkably plain, but not less handsome on that account. Her cutwater is surmounted by a Lion crushing the Gallic Cock. The device is  of course, appropriate, but the figure itself, in the opinion of many who have an eye to naval architecture, is not sufficiently prominent. She is painted with a black streak.  About two o'clock she moved off the slip with fine effect, while a band of music played "Rule Britannia;" and at the instant her bows touched the water, a bottle was thrown by one of the Lords of the Admiralty, to name her la Hogue. A shout from the multitude, with hats off, invoked Neptune and Mars to make her victorious. It was a shout of British exultation, and the effect was, of course, beyond expression. On the whole, there never was a finer launch seen. La Hogue has been more than four years building.*

Most of the readers of the NAVAL CHRONICLE are aware that many ships in our navy are prizes taken from the enemy and retain their original names aş with them are associated the proud recollection of the mode in which they became ours. Others, for instance: the Trafalgar, the Agincourt, the Poictiers & c are of English structure, but so named in commemoration of the scene of some great victory. Of the latter description is la Hogue. The town of la Hogue is a sea port of France. in the Channel near Barfleur . Edward Russell. the grandson of Francis, 4th Earl of Bedford, was in 1690, appointed the admiral of the blue, and advanced to the command of the Channel fleet, and, on May 19 1697, he obtained a signal victory over the French fleet, under the command of Mons de Tourville, at La Hogue: in the pursuit (besides six considerable ships burnt by  the Vice-admiral Delaval) he destroyed 13 of their men of war, and several of their transports. This achievement. though very difficult and dangerous. was performed with such conduct and firmness. that they took possession of several of the enemy's ships. and drove the French. with their own guns. from their platforms and batteries on shore; and all this in sight of the French camp, which lay ready to invade England.- The gallant admiral was, in 1697 created Baron of Shingay, in Cambridgeshire; Viscount Barfleur, in the Duchy of Normandy; and Earl of Orford in the county of Suffolk. The Earl died November 27 1727. without issue when these titles became extinct. 

Referencese

1.THE Naval Chronicle FOR 1811 CONTAINING A GENERAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE ROYAL NAVY OF THE United Kingdom WITH A VARIETY OF ORIGINAL PAPERS ON NAUTICAL SUBJECTS UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF SEVERAL LITERARY AND PROFESSIONAL MEN VOL XXVI FROM JULY TO DECEMBER Tu regere imperio populos Britanne memento Hae tibi erunt artes paci que imponere morem Parcere subjectis et debellare superbos 

LONDON PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY AND FOR JOYCE GOLD 103 SHOE LANE And sold by Messrs Longman Hurst Rees Orme & Brown Messrs Wilkie & Robinson Messrs Sherwood Neeley and Jones and Mr Walker Paternoster row White and Co Fleet street Messrs Vernor Hood and Sharpe Poultry Mr Asperne and Messrs Richardsons Corn hill Messrs Black Parry and Kingsbury Leadenhall street Messrs Crosby and Co Stationers hall court Messrs Scatchard and Letterman and Mr Law Avemaria lune Mr Lindsell Wimpole street Mr Andrews Charing cross Mr Booth Duke street Port land place Messrs Mottley and Co Portsmouth Mr Woodward Portsea Messrs Congdon Hozland and Platt Dock Messrs Haydon Rees and Curtis Smith Rogers and Nettle ton Plymouth Mr Godwin Bath Messrs Norton and Son Bristol Mr Robinson Liverpool Mr Wilson Hull Messrs Manners and Miller Mr Creech and Mr Consta ble Edinburgh Mr Turnbull and Mr Lumsden Glasgow and the principal Booksellers in the different Seaport Towns throughout the United Kingdom Koninklijke 

The Shield of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

 The Shield of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland 

 A Poem By PW Dwyer 4to Pp 24 2s 6d Ginger 1803 


Sunt quos curriculo pulverem olympicum 
Collegisse juvat metaque fervidis 
Evitata Rotis palmaque nobilis 
Terrarum Dominos evehit ad Deos 
                                       HOR,- 
 RB.23.6.4309 
RB 23.b.4309 

ARISE my Muse and touch the tuneful Lyre, 
With strains entrancing ev'ry sense inspire, 
My soul, enrapture, as expands the Theme, 
To glow with the subject the Verse should seem. 

Britannia sporting on the waving Main, 
Along the surface floats her Robe's grand Train, 
The Graces wait upon her person fine, 
And sea Nymphs follow in a state divine.

As from the skies great Neptune views her charms, 
Quick beats his Heart, and with fond wishes warms, 
Ye Gods, says He, observe that noble Fair, 
With her, in Beauty, Venus can't compare. 
To calm the Billows of the raging Deep,
Through Ether down my Car must fleetly sweep, 
The Tempests rude, on her shall cease to blow, 
To their dark Dens, the howling Tribe must go.

His Coursers prancing, eagar for the Way
Way Snort for the Reins, grow restive at delay, 
When the known signal from the Lash they hear, 
Heav'ns high Barrier with a bound they clear, 
Vast trackless Regions, soon, they leave behind, 
Then on Ocean breathe ambrosial Wind.  

To the roaring seas, their sovereign presents 
The Trident dreadful to their foaming Breasts,
With awe profound the roaring Waves sink low, 
Their passions hush and on they smoothly flow.

Britannia now with pure delight he views, 
Responsive Rays from her bright orbs diffuse 
Around his Heart, the pleasing pangs of Love, 
That long detain'd him from the realms above.

Mars seeing Neptune on the briny plains, 
A willing Captive in Britannia's chains, 
High Jove invokes to grant the pair divine, 
An offspring worthy o'er the World to shine.

The King of Gods robed with radiant Beams, 
Sits on the Throne, where Day eternal gleams, 
And thus decrees, from them a Son shall spring, 
Whose mighty Deeds, the Universe will sing.     

His course to Ocean Hymen gladly bends, 
And from the Skies with rapid flight descends, 
Th exalted Lovers ardent for the Bands, 
He gently binds with his auspicious Hands. 

The charming Bride, in Bloom, excels the rose, 
Two Globes entrancing her sweet Bosom shows, 
His Head between them Neptune softly press'd, 
In Bliss celestial both then sunk to rest.

From this Union as in Heaven ordain'd, 
The Hero sprang, whom Gods to War have train'd, 
On him in Battle, Mars and Neptune smile, 
And chear their Darling Nelson of the Nile.*

(*-The Right Honourable Viscount Nelson Duke of Bronte & c & c )

When Gaul's grand Fleet away for Egypt bore, 
To Land her Troops upon its northern Shore,
Nelson pursues it, with deep, swelling sails, 
And near that Coast, the hostile squadron hails. 
 
From either Ships, the dreadful Cannons roar, 
On their broad Decks, run streams of human Gore, 
Rising Courage, the Valiant Men inspires, 
His Brother slain, each Heart for Vengeance fires. 

Bacchus seeing the dread confusion rise. 
Through the boundless Air. fast as lightning flies. 
From his Quiver. an Arrow flaming drew. 
The bearded Javelin at brave Nelson threw. 
A God protects him as it towards him fled,
He only felt it slightly touch his Head. 
For Mars himself near the Conqueror stands, 
The coming Dart with force superior hands.  

'Gainst L'orient* the Weapon thund'ring hurls, 
A Vast Volcano to the Heav'ns she curls: 
This awful scene impos'd some moments pause, 
Kind Nature shudder'd at the mournful cause.

(*-The French Admiral's Ship blown up at the ever memorable Battle of the Nile)  

High Jove with pity Views the horrid sight, 
And still the Heroes raging for the fight, 
A Council of the Gods directly calls, 
In haste they crow'd along the starry Halls, 
Before him then, in silence graves appear, 
Attentive all his sov'reign Will to hear. 
The Thunderer speaks, ye powers divine, 
Shall we the mortal race to War resign, 
Near Afric's Coast in a Contention dire,
The Gauls and Britons shew their burning Ire,
Beneath their Vessels, flows a scarlet flood, 
Richly colour'd with their yet reeking Blood: 
Among the Sons of Earth such strife now reigns, 
As soon would desolate her wide Domains.  

Must Gauls, says Bacchus, who rear the Dear Vine, 
And pour on our Altars the gen'rous Wine, 
To Britons the knee with submission bend, 
Can not our power, these Heroes defend, 
From them Neptune's Son shall not bear the sway, 
Here in a passion was strutting away:

When Neptune replied, ever on the Main, 
Shall our dearest Nelson, new honors gain, 
Vict'ry is wreathing the Caronet green, 
That on his head waving soon will be seen.

Loud grew the debate when Apollo arose, 
Advised the immortals themselves to compose,  
Let not human Quarrels this high sphere affect, 
These in their bud,could by you have been check'd. 

Meantime on Sea, the Leaders nobly Vye, 
Through Air in Showers Bullets madly fly, 
The british Thunder shakes the mighty deep, 
And French in Thousands sends to endless sleep. 

The Sword o'er Europe those could surely wield, 
Had the bold Britons ne'er forced them to yield, 
To these with their Courage still on the flow, 
The Heroic Gauls their Colours strike low, 
Deep shaded with Laurel brave Nelson appears, 
Fame with his Valour, fair Albion chears. 

The Danes he has taught his Name to respect,
When Britain's just Laws, they wish'd to reject, 
Soon he convinced them, 'twas vain to oppose, 
The Courage divine that in his Breast glows. 

To Copenhagen, he gave a salute, 
That they to the Gods, alone, could impute, 
Their Ships and their Forts in Confusion blaze, 
While on Neptune's Son, with wonder they gaze. 

St Vincent,* a Name to us ever dear, 
The Spaniards, has made his prowess to fear, 
+His Cannon tremendous humbled their pride, 
And their mangled Bodies, strew d on the Tide.

This scene round their Hearts diffus'd a deep gloom, 
With terror the View the fast gorging Tomb, 
They strike to bold Jervis++ who their fleet files, 
Under his Banner's to visit our Isles.  


(*- The Right Honourable Earl St Vincent first Lord of the Admiralty & c 
+-In the famous Battle Fought of Cape St. Vincent where our Noble Admiral with fifteen Sail of the Line either took or destroyed 22 of the Spanish Line
++-1 The Right Honourable the Earl of St Vincent who was then Sir John Jervis ) 

Brave Duncan & the Hero of Camperdown, 
Where he has gained never fading renown, 
To Holland that Battle gave such a blow. 
As long she must feel with the deepest woe.

Nobly De Winter the Contest maintains, 
And our dreadful fire with spirit sustains, 
Until he perceives his Decks clear'd away, 
Then to the Britons, he gives up the Day.  

O'er the wide Ocean these Heroes will ride, 
Justice their Motto, true honour their Guide, 
The Ensigns of Britain unconquer'd they'll wave ,
Where e'er the salt Billows shores hostile lave. 

Now Father Neptune most graciously Eye 
Thy pendants Britannia on the Seas fly, 
Nereids dance round them, in order so rare, 
Gaul shrugs her shoulders, recoils from the glare.

(&-The Right Honourable Viscount Duncan & c The Battle of Camperdown
 c -The Battle of Camperdown ) 

The Campaign in Egypt, all Nations know, 
Thy Gen'rals has shewn can vanguish our Foe, 
There Abercromby* for his Country bled, 
But not until Victry laureled his Head: 
The Vet'rans of France lay dead on the plain, 
And Rivers of Gore ran straight to the Main, 
His spirit though gone, his Memory will stay, 
Long as the Sun will illumine the Day. 

The Triumphant Army, then is led on, 
To bloody Battles, by brave Hutchinson,+
Their conquering Arms, no strength could oppose, 
As danger increased their courage arose.  

(*- Sir Ralph Abercromby the brave and experienced Commander who Fought in the Battle of Alexandria after receiving a mortal Wound, until through loss of Blood he was falling from his Horse.
+-The Right Honourable Lord Hutchinson, who Valiantly supported the Honor of his Country, after the example shewn him by the immortal Abercromby,)  

The French in each Contest all their force strain, 
Their hard acquired Honors still to retain, 
But superior Valour from their Brows tore, 
All the green Wreaths they from Italy bore: 
To Gaul they were sent to tell their sad Tale; 
The Turks as redeemer Hutchinson hail. 
 
Cover'd with Glory the Victor returns, 
These Islands to see, his loyal Breast burns. 
On his arrival, the people acclaim; 
And the whole Empire, resound with his Name. 

Virtue and knowledge our senate display, 
And to fair Liberty, due homage pay, 
Her Throne, in each Breast, the Goddess admires, 
Guarded by candour and fondest desires, 

At their discussions, she always presides, 
Their Wisdom directs, oppression derides; 
Bless'd with her presence and almighty Aid, 
An unrivaled Code of Laws they have made, 
Which shews to the World their Judgment mature, 
And raise their Fame on a foundation sure. 

Addington++ their Leader peace has pursu'd, 
And her parting Train long anxiously view'd, 
But cruel Ambition forced her to roam, 
With all her Blessings to some distant Home. 

(++-The Right Honourable Henry Addington first Lord of the Treasury Chancellor of the Exchequer & c & c )

Since his fond wishes precious Blood to spare,
 And pure, desire no friendly Ties to tear, 
And Heart pacific, patient and sincere, 
And all those qualities, that we revere; 

Since these united could not peace retain, 
Their worthy Pilot Britons will sustain; 
His struggles to preserve the public Weal,
Weal With affection warm, tenderly they feel. 

Hawkesbury* superior to his years rise, 
Justly is ranked with the great and the wise, 
Of Language the Floods that from his lips stream, 
The statesman declare with ardour to teem. 
His sagacious soul can certainly tell 
Those plans, that the Breast of an enemy swell, 
And will disconcert his malice sprung schemes, 
Europe shall see, they 're but wild, airy Dreams. 

(*-The Right Honourable Lord Hawkesbury )

In the sound reas'ning of a Pitt* we find, 
Ev'ry Talent that can adorn the Mind.

(*-The Right Honourable William Pitt ) 

His powers those hostile to Britain dread, 
And fruitful springs of his capacious Head. 

By extensive knowledge and Judgment great, 
+Fox can feel the pulse of every state, 
Can tell the cause from whence proceeds the pain, 
And treatment right to banish it again.

(+-The Honourable Charles J. Fox ) 

Hundreds of Senators more could I Name, 
In Eloquence great, in Virtues the same, 
All, with our Warriors join Heart and Hand, 
Gallic Ambition to ever withstand. 

With these as a Shield to protect the state, 
In our happy Isles we'll still be elate, 
Sharing these pleasures, we here have in store, 
For greater we need not Lands far explore. 

Mountains their Summits above the Clouds raise, 
Where Phœbus, each morn, his first homage pays, 
Verdant Woods cloathe them superbly around, 
With our guardian Oak, these Forests abound:
Rivers majestic beneath their Feet stray, 
Admiring the charms their green Banks display, 
Limpid streams playing in Meads rob'd with flow'rs, 
Join with their babbling the Music of Bow'rs. 

Smooth hided Droves thickly chequer the Vales, 
In which richest Verdure never them fails, 
The Lord of the Herd, from Dale to Dale roves, 
In search of his Dear, and lows to the Groves. 

Flocks without number, on dasied Hills feed, 
To their full Udders, the frisking young speed, 
And as a Mother her fine Babe will greet, 
They to their Nurslings with tenderness bleat. 

Cere'lian Treasures in golden Waves go 
Bowing to Zephyrs that o'er their Heads blow; 
Fine Cities and Towns and Villas and Fanes, 
Adorn with splendour the far stretching plains. 

Lo! London, their princess, nobly she stands, 
Around Father Thames, on the rising Lands, 
The Riches He bears from the Eastern shores, 
Into her Lap he generously pours. 

Mind her great steeples, they cleave the high Clouds, 
The Lustre of squares, where gay Fashion crowds, 
Parks, Lawns and Gardens her large Border crown,
Commerce to the World reports her renown. 

Dear Isles thy Daughters have the Form divine, 
Bless'd with a Soul from which all Virtues shine, 
That glows with a Heart, where such feelings dwell, 
As only their Eyes with justice can tell, 
Pity's soft touches, these truly express, 
Full they appear at the Tale of distress, 
When Love in them play, their Glances can pierce, 
The Breast of the Sage and Warrior fierce, 

A Rose Bud to view the sweet Lip Displays, 
The Cheek native Bloom in crimson arrays. 
Fine Ringlets of Black, or of Auburn bright, 
Half-shade a Neck as the falling snow white 
The Bosom how fair, here soft delights meet, 
Of each winning Charm the enchanting seat. 

Since War's hoarse Trumpet the alarm dire sounds, 
And Clarion's shrill Voice from Rocks far rebounds, 
Our Courage, the circling shores shall see rise, 
The clangour of Arms we'll raise to the Skies, 
With our Valiant Heroes boldly will fly, 
To conquer our Foe or nobly to die.

Let us remember, when we must contend, 
All the dear Blessings we have to defend, 
Then, fired with their Love, like Men we'll engage,
 And in the Battle, as Lyons, will rage, 
Shew Gauls, when they dare our Isles to invade, 
Valour, our Ancestors often display'd, 
Never again, shall they recross the Deep, 
Here to a Man in the Grave they must sleep.-
                              FINIS.
Printed by J Galton No 11 Little Eastcheap    

MUSIC FOR THIS POEM- CANTAT 


entstanden wären gewiss nachhaltiger gewirkt hätten nichts auszusetzen finden Hatte schon seine Cantate "Invocation of Neptune and his attendant Nereids of Britannia" in London einen beispiellosen Beifall gefunden, so dürfen sein 29, Psalm, die heroische Cantate "Andromeda," und eine andere "die Hirten bei der Krippe zu Betlehem," Gedicht von Ramler, sowie seine Quintette und Quartette als nicht minder vortreffliche Arbeiten nicht unbemerkt bleiben, wenn man in die letzten Jahrzehnte des 18 Jahrhunderts zurücksteigt. G. selbst starb am 19 Aug 1795 zu Augsburg .

References:

1. THE SHIELD OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF Great Britain and Ireland A POEM By P.W. DWYER LONDON Printed by J Galton No 11 Little Eastcheap FOR THE AUTHOR AND SOLD BY J GINGER No 160 Piccadilly and HD SYMONDS Paternoster Row PRICE 2s 6d 1803 

2. NAVAL CHRONICLE VOZ XXIZ 
THE Naval Chronicle FOR 1811 CONTAINING A GENERAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE ROYAL NAVY OF THE United Kingdom WITH A VARIETY OF ORIGINAL PAPERS ON NAUTICAL SUBJECTS UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF SEVERAL LITERARY AND PROFESSIONAL MEN VOL XXVI FROM JULY TO DECEMBER VOL XXVI FROM JULY TO DECEMBER Tu regere imperio populos Britanne memento Hae tibi erunt artes paci que imponere morem Parcere subjectis et debellare superbos LONDON PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY AND FOR JOYCE GOLD 103 SHOE LANE And sold by Messrs Longman Hurst Rees Orme & Brown Messrs Wilkie & Robinson Messrs Sherwood Neeley and Jones and Mr Walker Paternoster row White and Co Fleet street Messrs Vernor Hood and Sharpe Poultry Mr Asperne and Messrs Richardsons Corn hill Messrs Black Parry and Kingsbury Leadenhall street Messrs Crosby and Co Stationers hall court Messrs Scatchard and Letterman and Mr Law Avemaria lune Mr Lindsell Wimpole street Mr Andrews Charing cross Mr Booth Duke street Port land place Messrs Mottley and Co Portsmouth Mr Woodward Portsea Messrs Congdon Hozland and Platt Dock Messrs Haydon Rees and Curtis Smith Rogers and Nettle ton Plymouth Mr Godwin Bath Messrs Norton and Son Bristol Mr Robinson Liverpool Mr Wilson Hull Messrs Manners and Miller Mr Creech and Mr Consta ble Edinburgh Mr Turnbull and Mr Lumsden Glasgow and the principal Booksellers in the different Seaport Towns throughout the United Kingdom Koninklijke Willcothick tasmager 

3.Musikalisches CONVERSATIONS LEXIKON Eine Encyklopädie der gesammten musikalischen Wissenschaften Für Gebildete aller Stände unter Mitwirkung der literarischen Commission des Berliner Tonkünftlervereins sowie der Herren Musikdir C Billert Custos A Dörffel Kapellmeister Prof Dorn Prof G Engel Direktor Gevaërt L Hartmann Dr F Hüffer Prof FW Jähns Dr W Langhans Professor E Mach Professor Dr E Naumann Dr Oscar Paul A Reissmann Prof EF Richter Prof WH Riehl Musikdirektor Dr W Rust Geh Rath Schlecht O Tiersch Direktor L Wandelt Dr H Zopff u s w u s w bearbeitet und herausgegeben von Hermann Mendel Vierter Band BERLIN Verlag von Robert Oppenheim 1874 

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