[NARES defines _Daysman_, an umpire or arbitrator, from his fixing a
day for decision; and adds, "Mr. Todd shows that _day_ sometimes
meant Judgment." Jacob, in his _Law Dictionary_, tells us, "Days-man
signifies, in the North of England, an arbitrator or person chosen
to determine an affair in dispute, who is called a _Dies-man_ or
_Days-man_." Jacob's definition may be again illustrated from
NARES:--"In Switzerland (as we are informed by Simlerus) they had
some common arbitrators, or _dayesmen_, in every towne, that made a
friendly composition betwixt man and man."--Burton, _Anat_.]
_Roland Monoux_.--In answer to your correspondent "M", p. 137., the
monumental brass in his possession is, no doubt, from the church at
_Edmonton_, Middlesex. Lysons (_Environs of London_, vol. ii. p.
263.), in his description of Edmonton Church, says, "Near the door
is a brass plate, with some English verses to the memory of ROLAND
MONOUX (no date)." He subjoins, in a _note_, "arms--on a chevron
betw. 3 oak-leaves as many bezants, on a chief 2 anchors, a market
for difference. On the brass plate are some English verses, nowise
remarkable."
These arms (omitting the _chief_) are those borne by the Baronet
Monnoux of Sandy in Bedfordshire (extinct in 1814), who was
descended from Sir George Monox, of Walthamstow, Lord Mayor of
London, who died in 1543, to whom and his lady there are brasses in
Walthamstow Church. ROLAND of Edmonton was doubtless of the same
family. I am not able to give an opinion of the _date_ of the brass
in question; but it might be readily conjected from the style of its
execution.
Your readers will, I am sure, all unite with me in commendation of
your correspondent "M's" correct feeling in offering to restore this
monument to its original site. I hope "M's" example will find many
followers. There are hundreds of {189} these pillaged brasses in the
hands of "collectors," and your admirable publication will have
effected a great public good, if it shall have been instrumental in
promoting their restoration.
Cambridge, Jan. 1. 1850.
E. VENTRIS.
* * * * *
_Ancient Motto_.--In reference to a query (No. 6. p. 93.), and a
reply (No. 7. p. 104.), permit me to remark, that St. Augustine, the
celebrated Bishop of Hippo, was the person who caused to be engraved
on his table the distich against detractors. Possidius, in his Life
of that Father (S. Augustini, _Opera Omnia_, Paris, 1690, vol. x.
part ii. p. 272.), gives the verses--no doubt an adaptation of
Horace--thus:--
"Quisquis amat dictis absentum rodere vitam
Hanc mensam indignam noverit esse sibi."