Page:Notes and Queries - Series 11 - Volume 4.djvu/111

 ii s. iv. AUG. 5, ion.] NOTES AND QUERIES.

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state at Sommerset House, and the manner of his funeral solemnity on Tuesday, Novem- ber 23," printed by T. N. for Edward Thomas, 1659 (British Museum, press-mark 1093, c. 51). The illustration justifies the description of the image as an " idol." The same tract was also published as a broadside by the same publisher in 1658, with five other engravings and a portrait. One of these engravings depicts the lying in state of the image, and another shows it in the car on its way to the Abbey. The title of the broad- side is "A brief chronology of the most remarkable passages and transactions," &c. (British Museum, press-mark 816. m. 1. (92).).

J. B. WILLIAMS. (To be continued).

THE POPE'S POSITION AT HOLY COM- MUNION. At p. 81 of the third edition of my (1901) I quoted from Shepherd's ' Critical and Practical Elucidation of the Book of Common Prayer,' vol. ii. p. 219, " It is the singular privilege of the Pope, when he performs the office of consecration, to com- municate sitting," and I added this com- ment :
 * Parochial Ecclesiastical Law of Scotland '

" The writer has not been able to find corrobora- tion of this statement, but it is believed that it either does, or did, record a fact indicative of the adherence to primitive usage, which is often found imbedded in the kernel of Roman ceremonial."

My book has recently been read in Rome by a very distinguished Roman ecclesiastic, who has been good enough to write to me as follows :

"Rome, 20 June, 1911

" Referring to note 1, p. 81, the Holy Father, not at low Mass, when he frequently distributes Holy Communion to those who may be privileged to assist, but at a Great Papal Mass in St. Peter's, when he only communicates along with the deacon of the Mass, receives sitting, not at the altar, but sitting on the throne which is placed in front of the Altar of the Chair, at the extremity of the apse, and therefore at a considerable distance from the altar at which he consecrates. I need not add that I speak from personal observation, having seen this over and over again."

It will be observed that Shepherd is not wrong as to the fact, but the inference which might be made as to the Pope sitting at the altar of consecration would be incorrect.

WILLIAM GEORGE BLACK. Ramoyle, Dowanhill, Glasgow.

DR. JOHNSON IN SCOTLAND. I have not met this highly characteristic anecdote of the great lexicographer in any other book than the one I quote from, so it may be new

to others also. It is mentioned by a cele- brated Scotsman, and comes well accredited. When Dr. Chalmers was staying at Earlham in Norfolk, the seat of Mr. Joseph John Gurney, in 1833, he mentioned this caustic- specimen of Johnsonian anti - Scottish humour :

"When Johnson was at St. Andrews, the pro- fessors invited him to a sumptuous entertainment. Johnson ate his dinner in silence, and all seemeot awed by the presence of the mighty stranger. At length, in the hope of banishing the awkwardness of this ill-timed solemnity, one of the professors 7 exclaimed, ' Dr. Johnson, I hope you have made a good dinner.' 'Sir,' replied Johnson, 'I did not come into Scotland to be entertained with good! dinners, but to see savage men and savage manners, and I have not been disappointed.' This surely" was the speech of a far greater barbarian than any whom he was addressing." ' Memoirs of Bishop- Bathurst,' by Mrs. Thistlethwayte, 1853, p. 508.

D. J..

WILLIAM ASHBY, AMBASSADOR TO SCOT- LAND 1588-90. Ashby was dispatched to Scotland in June, 1588, as resident ambassador there. A brief biographical notice of him appears in Cooper's ' Ath, Cantab.,' II. 79-80, where it is stated 1 that " his death occurred in Jan., 1589/90;. on his return from his embassy, as there is a letter from him to Lord Burghley dated Morpeth on the 9th of that month." He, however, did not die at that particular date. The will of William Ashby (no- description), signed 22 Dec., 1593, he being then " weak of body," was proved six days later, on 28 Dec., 1593. After bequests to cousin William Ashby and to William Ashby, son of said William, and to cousins George Ashby of Quenby and Ursula Ashby, he appoints Robert Naunton, " my sister's son," residuary legatee and executor.

There appear to have been several William Ashbys flourishing at the period,, but the mention of the " sister's son ' r Robert Naunton afterwards the well- known Secretary of State fixes the identity of the testator as the ambassador. It is obvious, therefore, that Ashby retired from his ambassadorship (probably through ill- ness) in January, 1590, returned home, and died about three years afterwards, in December, 1593. He was M.P. for Grantham. in the Parliament of 1586-7.

Another William Ashby represented' Chichester in 1593-7. Like his namesake^- he was employed in the affairs of Scotland, though on minor service only. I am unable- definitely to establish the cousinship between, him and the ambassador.

W. D. PINK..