In the kitchen of a public house called the Cross in Hand, at Waldron,
in Sussex, there is an ancient couple, who appear to have been
companions for more than seven hundred years. These are a pair of dog,
or brandirons, with the date of 1115 on each. Suppose their original
cost to have been five shillings; this sum put out at simple interest,
together with the principal, would now have amounted to nine pounds,
twelve shillings, and sixpence; but at compound interest it would be two
hundred and fifty eight billions, seven hundred and eighty four
millions, two hundred and thirty thousand, six hundred and fifty six
pounds sterling.