_Tablet to Napoleon._--Will it assist "EMDEE's" interpretation of the
inscription to Napoleon (No. 17 p. 262.) if I suggest that it may
mean--Ægyptiaco bis, Italico semper invicto?
C.I.R.
Feb. 25.
_Lines on Pharaoh_ (No. 19. p. 298.).--I beg to inform "J.T.," that the
well-known _couplet_ about Pharaoh, and _rascal_ rhyming to _pascal_,
are from a certain _History of the Bible_, or _Bible History_, by the
Rev. Dr. Zachary Boyd, of Todrig, who was either Principal or Professor
of Divinity at Glasgow in the seventeenth century.
He left considerable property to the College there, on condition that
his bust should be placed in the quadrangle, and his great work printed
under the care of the Academical Senatus. The bust was placed
accordingly, and is, or lately was, to be seen in a niche over the inner
doorway. The _History_ was also printed, it is said, but never
published. However, curious visitors have always, I believe, been
allowed a peep into it--whether the MS. or the solitary printed book, I
am not sure--and a few choice morsels are current. I recollect one stave
of the lamentation of Jonah--
"Lord! what a doleful place is this!
There's neither coal nor candle;
And nothing I but fishes' tripes
And greasy guts do bandle."
I think it a shame that the Maitland Club of Glasgow has not, ere now,
volunteered an edition of Zachary's immortal performance. The _Senatus_
would hardly object (if the expense were undertaken), as the circulation
would be confined to true Scots.