[Illustration]
At p. 77 of your "Current Notes" for October last, there is an engraved
representation of the Corporate Seal of Dulwich College; as a companion
to it, I have procured a drawing of the Seal of Archbishop Whitgift's
Hospital at Croydon, which was founded towards the end of the reign of
Elizabeth, by that benevolent but superstitious prelate, who appears to
have been a devout believer in the Black Art, as among the crimes
enumerated to be punished by expulsion are "obstinate heresye, sorcerye,
and any kind of charming or witchcrafte."
There were some interesting relics preserved in this establishment,
particularly three wooden goblets or drinking vessels, the largest of
which could hold about three pints, and bore the following inscription:
"=What, Sirrah! hold thy peace,
Thirst satisfied--cease.="
But I am told they have disappeared--no one can tell how or when
exactly. I mention the circumstance, as there was a singular legend
connected with this inscription, which I once heard, but do not now
remember the particulars--perhaps some of your correspondents may.