Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 3.djvu/97

Rh fibula, and ornaments of the like nature, contrived with an elastic acus, or tongue, which fell into a groove, or was kept in its place by a hook or fastening. The ring-brooch served as a fastening in a different manner; the acus was simply hinged, not elastic; it traversed the tissue which had been drawn through the ring, and when the portions of the garment thus connected were drawn back, the acus was brought back upon the ring, and kept most securely in place. Brooches of this fashion occur amongst Etruscan and Roman remains ; they have been found in Saxon places of burial in this country, and were commonly used during the Anglo-Norman period and later times. In Gloucestershire, and, probably, other parts of England, ornaments of this form were commonly worn as late as the last century. The medieval ring-brooches are interesting chiefly on account of the legends or ornaments engraved upon them, which occasionally appear to have been talismanic, but usually express the love of which such little gifts were frequently the token. Of the former kind is the beautiful brooch, set with gems, and curiously formed with two tongues, or acus, formerly in the possession of Col. Campbell, of Glen Lion, and inscribed with the names of the kings of the East,, considered, as Keysler states, to be a charm against epilepsy. In this class also the brooch in Mr. Jewitt's possession, and discovered near Oxford, may be included, which bears the name, so frequently used in the preservative charms worn during the middle ages.

The curious specimen here represented was found in the neighbourhood of Rochester, and communicated to the Institute by the Rev. Edward Shepherd, Rector of Luddesdown. On one side are inscribed the words ✠ Je suis ici en lieu d'ami; on the other a series of letters, which, at first sight, are wholly inexplicable, and appear to have some cabalistic import; when taken, however, in alternate order, the names of the donor and his mistress are found to be incorporated in this singular love-token.

The final letters may designate the surname, or possibly signify à vous. This ornament is of pure gold, and appears to be of the fourteenth century.

Another gold brooch, of the same period, found in St. John Zachary burial ground, and now in the possession of Mr. W. Hunt, has the following legend on one side,, and on the other,.