_Vida on Chess._--I have had in my possession for more than five years a
translation of Vida on _Chess_. It is in the handwriting of a celebrated
poet of the last century; but whether a mere transcript or a version of his
own, is more than I can affirm. Now, I shall feel obliged by any
information on the subject, whether positive or negative, and transcribe
the exordium with that view. It is not the version which was made by George
Jeffreys, and revised by _Alexander Pope_[1]:
"Vida's Scacchis, or Chess."
"Armies of box that sportively engage,
And mimick real battels in their rage,
Pleas'd I recount; how smit with glory's charms,
Two mighty monarchs met in adverse arms,
Sable and white: assist me to explore,
Ye Serian nymphs, what ne'er was sung before."
Bolton Corney.
[Footnote 1: The only one which I have seen.]
* * * * *
Minor Queries with Answers.
_Thornton Abbey._--Can any of your readers give me some information
respecting an old and ruinous building called "Thornton Abbey," situate
about ten miles from Grimsby, Lincolnshire, and also about two miles from
the river Humber?