[The chronogram above, which means "The signal of peace is given to the
warrior," relates to the peace proclaimed between England and France in
the year 1763. This event is noticed in the _Annual Register_, and in
most of our popular histories. Keightley says, "The overtures of France
for peace were readily listened to; and both parties being in earnest,
the preliminaries were readily settled at Fontainebleau (Nov. 3rd). In
spite of the declamation of Mr. Pitt and his party, they were approved
of by large majorities in both Houses of Parliament, and a treaty was
finally signed in Paris, Feb. 18, 1763." The napkins were probably a
gift, on the occasion, to some public functionary. For the custom of
noting the date of a great event by chronograms, see "N. & Q.," Vol.
v., p. 585.]
{12}
_Explanation of the Word "Miser."_--Can any of your readers explain how and
when _miser_ came to get the meaning of an avaricious hoarding man? In
Spenser's _Faerie Queene_, II. l. 8., it is used in its nearly primary
sense of "wretch:"
"Vouchsafe to stay your steed for humble _miser's_ sake."
Again, _Faerie Queene_, II. 3. 8.:
"The _miser_ threw himself, as an offall,
Straight at his foot in base humility."
In Milton's _Comus_, which was written about fifty years after the first
three books of the _Faerie Queene,_ the present signification of the word
is complete:
"You may as well spread out the unsunn'd heaps
Of _miser's_ treasure by an outlaw's den,
And tell me it is safe, as bid one hope
Danger will sink on opportunity," &c.