LW] THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES c €t)t monmerv of £t. TOprduraft. THE JWonasttrg OF of XIV. What! sleeps be now? — or Bchool'd in tales of old, — Cliiv alric scenes of torror and surprize, Enthusiast strange ! do wildering fancies mould His soul to frenzy, and delude his eyes ? Certes — some Sylph of more than mortal grace — Nor less than angel's bright, her beauties beam, — Arrests his view, — in deep, extatic dream : — Tis She — Werburgha fair — the Genius of the place. XV. " Range Thou Conjecture's labyrinth no more ; My favour to thy view " — she said, serene, " Recals the fleeting pageant, — as of yore It pass'd successive o'er this changeful scene. Who trod this holy ground from age to age, Since Wulphere's pious zeal the Fane design'd, Stupendous effort of his princely mind, Mark now; — and let the sight thy wondering thoughts engage." &t, QMt rlmi glj. XVI. The angelic Vision spoke ;— and for a time Varied the Mansion to his prospect lay ; Haunted it seem'd with Guests of other clime, That stranger were than Fancy can portray ! Yet — for seclusion forin'd, the tranquil dome With many a hallowed sign its use confess'd, By Saxon Maids — a sister-train, possess'd : — The virgin-Saint they hail, — and hail their ancient home. XVII. Each in her hand a flickering taper hore, That shed faint lustre through the dim abode : Sable, their robes descending swept the floor; A snowy veil adown each bosom flow'd. "Blest Guide!" the youth exclaim'd "oh! deign to say Who that bright Pair, conspicuous in the throng?" — " Milburg and Mildred lov'd — of Woden sprung," Indulgent she replied — " my kindred vestals they. ' c io m)t ittomtttvv of Will. " But lo ! the.) vanish : — torn tliy curious gaze On yon succeeding Group, whose aspect Bage, And habit strange, beseeming ancient days, Denote them Pastors of another age. Less from tli • world apart ; less strict their vow ; Observe the tonsure on each head imprest, The beard prolix; the candid, (lowing vest, And hence their manly sex, — and priestly order know. XIX. "Mark now a Chii:i immortal in renown: \\ hat other hand that ponderous sword can wield ?" His brow encircled with a princely crown ! A gaunt Wolf threatens on his painted shield ! See at his call the ascetick train appear : Vacant (for so he will'd) the ample dome They fill; — and wide through this our vestal home Extend their Order's sway: and con their Rule austere. *t. mietfmvqti. 11 xx. " Earl Hugo ! — thou (said she) hast heard that name, To Cestria's sons in distant ages known : For none more favour'd with the Norman came To win hy conquest sea-girt Britain's throne. Nor mean the guerdon that his toils repaid : Cestria's wide plains! to hold by martial might, As the proud Donor by imperial right His regal state maintain'd, and Britain's sceptre sway'd. XXI. " His strong hold once, that tow'r-flank'd Citadel Conspicuous yet, mid old Caer-legion's walls: There he his state upheld, as legends tell, With war-provided bands, in trophied halls ; And thence at will, his hardy vassals led To drench with carnage dire the subject plain, — Oft — as rapacious — o'er his fair domain, Cambria her countless tribes from distant mountains spread. c 2 12 GTfjf ffiottA0terfi of Wll. " In happier tiim s his haunt that fairy-ground "Where — pristine lustre beaming — Dkya strays, Ami dow, an ample .Mansion turret-crown'd, Rivals ihe grandeur of primeval day-. Bright emblems there by Herald's skill design'd, Of Rollo's kindred line, the eschutcheon grace, And Nenstrian sires record — a martial race, With Albion's gentlest dames in nuptial union joiu'd. XXIII. " See ! to these gates what subject Lords attend Their Prince — so near to Royalty allied ! Hark ! paeans (ill the Dome— and organs lend Their powers, — to hail the pageantry of pride. Reverse the scene — ah ! whither art thou tied \ ain dream of Greatness? — Lo! with cares opprest, Weak, old, dejected, — here be asks for rest, — His borne the narrow cell ; the pallet cold his hed. *t. &23er*urgf). 13 XXIV. " See of his state the Chieftain disarray'd ; Eas'd of its golden weight he bends his brow : Shorn are the honours of his hoary head : His lips pronounce the irrevocable vow. Thy weeds — O Benedict! his limbs invest: His tottering step a pilgrim's staff sustains : — Pleas'd, by the grant of lands and rich demesnes, From Guilt's tormenting sting to free his troubled breast. XXV. " But what these shadows of the illustrious dead, Whose gorgeous state bespeaks their high degree V " These Cestria's Earls, that in succession tread Our courts, with prayer and choral minstrelsy : Abbots, whose fronts the mitred honours grace, Whose hands the crozier ; — wont erewhile to hold With Cestria's princely Chief and Barons bold High conference, — and assert hereditary place." 14 3T()f fHottaetrrp of wvi. 'J'hls — to her favour'd Minstrel's wondering gaze Visions long past his sainted Guide recall, And all the Minster's earliest pomp displays, Its vaulted roofs, long aisles, and sculptur'd w alls. Now, from the Nave and Transept — towering high Leads to the Refectory's distant site, — Or Prior's devious home, or Abbot's, — hright With rafters gilt, and sheen of solemn blazonry. XXVII. Nor deigns she not to tell, how once his state The Abbey's mitred Ruler here maintained ; What trains his hall, — what menials fill'd his gate ; And at his 'hoard profuse what splendour reign'd : And how those portals — hospitably wide — Heceiv'd each nobler stranger; — nor repell'd The abject and the poor: — for sacred held, Each Pilgrim's simpler claims a ready dole supplied. St. zmtrbuvqt). 15 XXVIII. And— how the Prior grave and courteous Guest The social hour till evening dirge prolong ; — Then part in peace, and seek the haunts of rest ; And early wake, to join the Matin song. For lo ! — e'er Darkness take her drowsy flight, Some hand hath trimm'd yon taper's smothering flame, That through the Dormitory's length its gleam Threw feeble, glimmering faint, with scarce distin- guish'd light. XXIX. Each Cenobite erewhile his pallet there In silent muse possess'd, or sleep profound : — But hark ! a Bell athwart the misty air Pours on the ear of Night its wonted sound. No toilet him expects, — since girt his loins In slumber, — nor abandon'd e'er his vest : With downcast eye, and footstep half supprest, Gliding through charnell'd ways, the choral band he joins. io srijc Atonaftttrs oc For who — that on thy legend bends to pore Sage Benedict! and holy discipline — Kens not these nightly orisons ? — nay more, Prime, Third, Sixth, None, and Vespers, and Compline. " Seven times the sceptred Prophet wont to raise Through night's dark watches, and the cheerful day, His voice to God : — as He— my children, Ye Seven times shall pour the prayer, or chaunt the hymn of praise. XXXI. " And Thou that would'st our holy warfare wage, And win o'er self and sin the palm divine, Know first — to teach is Wisdom's province sage, To hear in silence — and obey — is thine. To Thee — my Son — a father's counsels given Shall prove as Jacob's ladder; whilom trod By Angels -fleetest messengers of God, — Who taught the Patriarch's gaze bright intercourse with heaven. «.t. mievMrgl). 17 XXXIT. " Fear God : be this Humility's first law. — Let strong subjection curb thy recreant will. — For God's love thy superiours hold in awe. — Resign'd and patient, learn to suffer ill. — From sage Confessor's ear, no secret guile Of thought or act let faithless accents hide. — Degraded and abas'd, thy penance bide In meekness. — Deem thyself the vilest of the vile. XXXIII. " Honour thy Rule ; by this thy conduct square. — Speak seldom, — yet if question'd, mild reply. — The lightsome thought, the wanton laugh beware. — Season thy words with gentlest gravity. — With eyes that court the ground, but thoughts above; Sitting or standing, if thou work or pray, In choir and convent, garden, field, or way, • Let every varied act thy meek demeanour prove." is 3rt)f Worawtetp of XXXIV. "And — was it thus" — the admiring youth replied, "'Each blest RECLUSE who hade the world adieu, Victim no more of Envy, Ire, and Pride,— Could calmly pay to God allegiance true ! Pow'rml though counsels arc to sway the mind To Virtue ; — sweet the thoughts of doing well ; Yet Nature's froward children will rebel, Their judgment prone to good, — their llesh to ill inclin'd." XXXV. His bright Conductress smii'd : " Seest thou" said she, " Yon Monk perverse, whose bosom's turbid flame Lists to no soothing words of courtesy, Nor grace can humble him, nor penance shame. Yields he? 'tis hut in semblance; — mark the scorn Through hypocritic mask that lights his eye : — Some fiend accurs'd impels his soul awry, And bursts his labouring breast, by jarring passions torn. &t. mttbuvgti. 19 xxxvi. " But will the wretch unmov'd, with hunger pine, A mark of scorn to every Brother's view ; Nor crouch beneath the smarting discipline ? Then Heaven's own thunders shall his soul subdue. Behold him prostrate on tbe sacred floor Day after day — forlorn, unheeded, lie, Till Pity can no more the boon deny : — " Enough : — thy pardon seal'd — depart, and sin no more." XXXVII. With meditative gaze, the Minstrel view'd Each passing scene ; and question'd much his mind; — Fulfils Man Heaven's behests in solitude, More dear to God, as more he shuns his kind? Not so the Saviour deem'd ! — In every place Where Man resorted, there his presence found Its happiest sphere ; diffusing widely round Example's brightest light, and Virtue's loveliest grace. D2 20 arijc monastery of XXXVIII. More had he said : — hut now his startled eye Beholds new sights : — Processions, Pilgrimages, Mix'd shows of " Holy Mummeries," — antic Joy, And rabble-Rout; — and Interludes and Stages. Strange sounds his ear assail of wild commotion, As though hy eddying storms of Limbo tost, In the " Fool's Paradise" his thoughts were lost;— And more his Fancy dreams of Riot than Devotion. \\\1\. But soon, a Form majestic sprang to view Of frowning mien; — a diadem he wore : — " Depart" he sternly said, " licentious crew, And dare profane these hallow'd walls no more." Instant a Seraph, rob'd in purest light, Shot like a falling star, athwart the shade : — Twas heavenly Truth ! — she came, resplendent Maid, To dissipate the gloom of intellectual night. £t. 3£3trititrgf). 21 XL. " Blest be the dawn of this auspicious day," The Virgin cried : — " Delusion ! cease thy reign : Error ! no longer cloud the mental ray : Fell Bigotry ! resign thy torch and chain. Here — let Religion — more serenely bright From mists emerging — with full splendour shine ; And Learning haste to build her favourite shrine/' The Vision spake, — and straight evanish'd from his sight. NOTES TO Cfje fflona&tery of $t eftteimrgf). NOTES 9 Note I. — Stanza 1. Scath'd with the blast its sculptural front appears. More than thirty years have elapsed, since the Author first sketched the rude outline of the Poem which after various corrections and additions is now submitted to the Public. The venerable Cathedral of Chester which constitutes a comparatively limited portion of the ancient Monastic Buildings — by the assaults of time and weather on peculiarly perishable materials, has long- been deprived of almost all its exterior grace, and origi- nal beauty of decoration. The heavy central tower, and various other parts of this ponderous and muti- lated Edifice, had at length become so ruinous as to require speedy measures to arrest, (at least in some de- gree,) the rapid progress of dilapidation. Very recently- several parts of the exterior have been restored by a new casing — and others are now undergoing a like process. At present therefore, the sacred Pile no longer wears its late uniform aspect of decay ; but the eye is some- what offended by an incongruous mixture of recent and antique. In the interior of the Cathedral the ravages of time are much less apparent — and there also recent changes have beeu made. Several ancient beauties and E 26 NOTES. decorations long concealed have been brought to light. Various appendages of the ancient Monastery have been newly laid open to view. — Others perhaps to the regret of the antiquary, have been removed, either for want of funds for their reparation, or incompliance with sugges- tions, of modern convenience. Such has been the gene- ral effect of the alterations (which arc yet in progress,) that the Author after an absence of several years has found it difficult to recognize some of those scenes and objects which early acquaintance had endeared to his re- membrance. Willi respect to the History of this Monastic Institu- tion, the Poem proceeds upon the most ancient Tradi- tions — regardless of the scepticism of some modern writers, who with an affectation of very superior saga- city, have gravely called in question the accounts of early historians, without substituting any which either more certain or more probable. Note II. — Stanza 5. With bright display Though blaz'd each crystedVd arch in days of yon . As many of the ancient Churches of Cheshire wen a remote period richly decorated with painted glass j it cannot be supposed that the Cathedral of the Dioce e was always destitute of such ornaments. When Chester was surrendered to the Parliamentary forces, A. 1). [645—6; it was expressly stipulated by the 10th Article of capitulation, " That no Church within the city should be dcfa.r.'.-' See Ortnerod's History of Cheshire, Vol. 1. p. ii)!).— "But A. 1). 1683, says the Bame autho- rity, "James, Duke of Monmouth came to ( 'In -ter, greatly affecting popularity, and giving countenance to riotous assemblies, and tumultuous mobs, whose violence was such, as to pelt with stones the v.indows of several NOTES. 27 gentlemen's houses in the city, and otherwise to damage the same. They likewise furiously forced the doors of the Cathedral Church, and destroyed most of the painted glass." Thus Mr. Ormerod, Hist, ut supra, p. 210, and Camper's Mss. Note III. — Stanza 5. Or seek thy Choir — the graver's art to trace. The Choir of Chester Cathedral is perhaps inferior in the lightness and beauty of its tabernacle-work to few or none in the kingdom. The stalls — twenty-four on each side, are also very neat, and finely decorated with carving. Amongst its profusion of ornaments the Shrine of St. Werburgh is most conspicuous. See Pennant's Tours in Wales, Vol. 1, p. 240, Sco. Xote IV. — Stanza 5. Or secret Hall of conclave — The Chapter House — which — says Willis, opens into the North Transept by a passage cut through : (History of Chester Cathedral,) but such has notbeen . the entrance in our days. The Chapter house itself, and its remarkable vestibule, (which also Willis recog- nizes as the old grand entrance from the East Cloister,) has been sufficiently described by Mr. Pennant {Tours above-mentioned, p. 240,) and others who have treated of the antiquities of this Cathedral. Note V. — Stanza 9. TJiat hence, — conductive to the distant Fane, Winds the lone passage, — intricate and drear. Ralph Higden a Monk of Chester composed in the XIV. century the History intitled " Polychronicon" e 2 28 NOTES. — which was translated from the original Latin, by Johan Trevysa, at the request of Syr Thomas Lord of Barkklev." — In tliis curious work the author lias intro- duced a particular description of Chester, in which are these remarkable words : " In tliis Cyte ben waves under erthc with vowtes and stone wi ike wonderly wrought thre chambred werkes." — Tims it appears that Trevysa lias rendered the words of the Latin original, " lapides opere mirabiliter testudinati, triclinia concame- rata." See Ly sons, p, Y2~ . The context probably leads to the supposition that Higdcn alludes to subterraneous structures of Roman origin — but popular tradition doubt- less first drew from this source a story which it after- wards connected with the ancient abbey of S. Werburgh. — In the memory of persons now living, a rumour pre- vailed of a subterraneous communication between this Monastery and the Collegiate Church of St. John, or some other of the ancient religious Houses of the City : — and as various door-ways, either from remote times intirely blocked up, or partially filled with rubbish, were observed in the cloisters of the Cathedral, and solitan places adjoining them, it was imagined that some of them were the ancient entrances into those " Souter- reins" — .Air. Pennant acknowledges that the report of such vaults has at different times powerfully stimulated the curiosity and researches of antiquaries, but hitherto without any satisfactory result. Tour in Wales, Vol. 1 ui SUpra. — Some of the " arcana" connected with 1 1 it- clois- ters of the Cathedral have (as before observed) recently been explored, cleared of their rubbish — and ascertained to lie ancient offices of the Monastery, or long disused ways of communication between the several Conventual residences. — " There are vaults partly yet closed, and partly used as cellars, under the site of the ancient abbey, which appear to lie of very remote antiquity. See Lijsons, p. 436. Mr. Ormerod has noticed others NOTES. 29 found in more distant parts of the city — some of which he says, " exhibit specimens of vaulting equal to the Cloisters of a Cathedral." Hist, of Chester, p. 290. Note VI. — Stanza 10. While sinuous gulp/is above — the foot repress. The allusion in this passage is to the several spiral flights of stone steps communicating with the ambula- tories above the arches, which surround the nave and transept of the Cathedral. Such descending flights (technically called newel-staircases) are found in various angles of the edifice, as well as in every corner of the great Tower. Some of them were long since in so ruin- ous a state, as not only to render the descent by them dangerous, but the appearance very alarming. Note VII. — Stanza 15. Since Wulphere'' s pious zeal the Fane design'd. Popular opinion, on the authority of some of the old writers, considers Wulphere or Wulfere King of Mercia as the original founder of this Monastery, for the reception of his daughter Wereurgha and other Ladies who were desirous to take the veil. Wulphere is particularly recognised by Mr. Bentham in his remarks on Saxon Churches, as a zealous founder of Monaste- ries. Others with Camden make Leofric a Saxon Earl the founder of the building " in honorem Werburghse virginis." The substance of that information which has been hitherto collected on so obscure a subject will be found in the recent edition of King's Vale Royal. With regard to St. Werburgh, we may notice the opinion at present considered as most authentic : that she was " pro- fessed" under her Aunt St. Etheldreda at Ely, had the direction of several monasteries, and dying at Trentham, :}() NOTES. was buried at Hanbury in Staffordshire, in 690, from whence her bones were brought t" Chester in 875, i» n« 1 deposited there for greater security mi the alarm of a Danish invasion. At whatsoever time, or by whomso- ever, tliis Monastery was first founded, it seems to bea point generally acknowledged, thai the first occupants were a society of religious females. " Fuit ex antiquo Sanctimonialium Monasterium." William of Malms- bury, sec Dugdale'e Monasticon. Note VIII. — Stanza 17 Milburg and Mildred lov'd — of Woden tpru WviiPHERE — father of S.Werburgh, the second Chris- tian King of Mercia, was the second son of Penda, a pagan King of Mercia. Penda was grandson of Ciue- da — who was said to be tenth in descent from WoDEN — and founder of the kingdom of Mercia about the year 584. St. Milburga and St. Mildreda were daughters of Mebwaxdtts — fourth son of King Penda — conse- quently cousins of S. Werburgha. Their figures arc represented upon the shrine of 8. Werburgh — which now forms the basis of the Bishop's throne. See Dr. Coteper's account of the shrine ■■ and Orme rod's Hist, of Cheshire, }>■ 250. Note IX. — Stanza 18. Pastors of another age. Can«> rs Secular. All authorities agree thai in the reign of Athelstan, Secular Canons were introduced into this Monastery. They were in po s s es si o n at the period of the Domesday Survey. Ormerod's Chesh. p. 212. Mr. Grose observes that the Secular Canons were so called because they were conversant in the world, and administered to the Laity on all occasions — and NOTES. 31 took upon themselves the cure of Souls. They differed very little from the ordinary Priests, unless that they were under the government of local statutes, and in some places were obliged to live together. Antiq. of England, vol. 1, Preface, p. 76, 2nd Edition. Note X. — Stanza 19. A Chief immortal in renown. Hugh — Sister's Son, and consequently Nephew of the Conqueror — created first Earl of Chester after the conquest : A. D. 1070. His Arms "Azure, a Wolf's Head erased, Argent." Hence his sirname of Lupus. King's Fnle Roijtil. Note XI. — Stanza 19. What other hand that ponderous sword can wield ? This famous Sword of Dignity is still remaining in the British Museum. It is in length about four feet ; and so unwieldy as to be brandished with very great difficulty by a very strong man, with both his hands. The blade is two edged, and has this inscription immedi- ately beneath the hilt: "Hugo Comes Cestri.e." The hilt is decorated with pearls. Gough's Sketch of Materials, &c. p. 20. Note XII.— Stanza 19. See at his call the ascetich Train appear. Hugh Lupus re-founded the Monastery of S. Wer- btu'gh — removing the Canons Secular, and introducing Benedictine Monks- in their stead : — or as Higden (Polyvhronicon) records the circumstance : He "chaung- ed seculer chanons into monkes." Lib. vii. cap. 1 ad fin. 32 NOTES. NOTB XIII— Stanza 20. Cestrvfs wide plains ! t<> hold by martial might. "The CONQUBROB ^avc to HuOH sirnamed Lupus tlie whole County and Earldom of Chester to hold of him 'tamlibere ad Gladium Bicut ipse Rex tenebat Anglian) ad Coronam,' as the very words of the Charter do run," saith Camden, — (Leicester's Prolegomena, p. '.)]). "By virtue of this grant" (he adds) " Cheshire enjoyed all sovereign Jurisdiction within its own pre- cincts, and thai in so high a degree, that the ancient Kails had Parliaments of their own Barons and Tenants ; and were not obliged by the English Acts of Parliament/' &c. And " agreeably to these high powers " (says .Mr. Cough) when the style of all legal proceedings of the Courts at Westminster ran " Contra Coronam & Digni- tatem Regis" — in our County Palatine these Pleas were constantly expressed "Contra I )ignitatem < rladii Cestriae." Sketch of Materials, fye. p. -'<>. But the possessions of Earl Hugh were not limited to Cheshire. lie had lands in twenty Counties of England. See them enumerated in Leicester's " Prolegomena," as abstracted from the record of " Domesday Book." Note XIV. — Stanza 21. His strong' hold once, that toto'r flanlfd Citadel. The erection of the Castle of Chester is by souk ascribed to Hugh Lupus : — but by Ordericus Vitalis to William the Conqueror, A. D. 1069. It was the Palace of the Earldom, as well as its chief strong-hold. Ormc- r oil's Cheshire. NOTES. 33 Note XV.— Stanza 22. In happier times his haunt that fairy ground. " There was an Estate on the Bank of the Dee held by Earl Edwin, and reserved by Hugh Lupus at the Conquest." Ormerod's Cheshire, Article Eaton, p. 450. It is distinctly noticed in " Domesday" among the posses- sions of the Earl: " Ipse Comes tenet Etone. Edwinus Comes tenuit." (cited ibid, p. 452.) "Amongst the present decorations at Eaton are imaginary representa- tions in painted glass of William the Conqueror — of Odo his uterine brother — of Gilbert le Grosvenor the Norman founder of the family — of his Lady — of Sir Richard le Grosvenor the celebrated defendant in the suit of Arms with Sir Richard le Scroop — and of Joanna de Eaton in whose right the present family succeeded to the Estate of Eaton." (Ibid. p. 453.) Note XVI. — Stanza 22. And Neustrian Sires record. Gilbert le Grosvenor, descended from an Uncle of Rollo first Duke of Normandy, and Nephew of Hugh Lupus, attended the Conqueror in his expedition to England ; and has therefore been considered more parti- cularly as the Founder of the present Family. For a minute account of its earlier intermarriages and history, consult Collins' s English Baronetage. Note XVII— Stanza 23. To hail the pageantry of pride. Sir Peter Leycester cites Ordericus Vitalis as saying of this Earl, " Amator sseculi, ssseculariumquc pompa- rum fuit. Hist, of Chesh. p. 10. F 34 NOTES. Notk XVIII —Stanza 24. Hti lips pronounce the irrevocable vow. It is generally believed that Earl Hugh assumed the habit of St. Benedict, and became a Monk of the Monas- tery of St. Werburgb a few days before his death : " Post diuturnum lauguorem monachatum in Coenobio quod idem Cestria- construxerat BUSCepit, atque post triduum sexto Calendas August] — [anno 1101.) mortuus est." Ordericus FitaHs, in Letjcester's Prolegomena, p. 15. Note XIX. — Stanza 24. PleatPd, by the grant of lands, fyr. A Copy of the Charter of Foundation of the Monastery of St. Werburgh, and of his extensive grant of lands to the Institution, may lie found in Dugdale's " Monasticon," or the " Prolegomena" of Sir P. Leices- ter, supradict. These grants received vast additions afterwards from his successors in the Earldom, vid. O run-rod' s Cheshire. Note XX.— Stanza 23. " These Cestria' 8 Earls," $c. The Norman Earls of Chester were, 1. I lie. if Lupus, created anno 1070. 2. Richard Son of Hugh by Ermentrudc his wife, who became Earl anno llol : married Maude daughter of Stephen Earl of Blois, and perished with her by shipwreck in sailing to England, together with William and Richard sons of Henry I, A. I). 111!>. ,'i. Ranole I, as next heir to Richard: — he was nephew to Hugh Lupus. -1. Kandlk II, son of the first, — Earl of Chester twenty-five years: he died poisoned by W. IVvercl, A. I). 115:5. 5. Ihoii II, surnamed Cyvcliok, — son of Randle II, A. D. 1153. NOTES. 35 E;irl 28 years. 6. Handle III, surnamed Blundeville, son of Hugh Cyveliok : he succeeded, A. D. 1181 — died A. D. 1232. 7- John surnamed the Scot, son of David Earl of Huntington : he succeeded, A. D. 12.^2, in right of Maude his mother, eldest sister of Randle III. He was Earl five years — died without issue. At his decease Henry III. took the Earldom into his own hands, anno 1237. The Subsequent Earls were of the blood Royal. Note XXL— Stanza 25. Abbots, whose fronts the mitred honours grace, fyc. A. D. 1093, Anselm abbot of Bee in Normandy was invited to England by Hugh Lupus us well to assist in the foundation of this monastery as for other reasons. Richard — Anselm's Chaplain, was appointed first Abbot of S- Werburgh's A. D. 1117- — Including him and his successors, the abbots of this monastery were twenty-five in number. John Clarke was the last — and at the dissolution became Dean of the Cathedral. The names of the Abbots, the respective periods during which they presided, and some of their principal acts — are recorded in Ormerod's Hist, of Cheshire. Note XXII. — Stanza 25. With Cestria's princely Chief and Barons bold. Spelman says the Barons of the County Palatine of Chester were first created by Hugh Lupus. Their number has been variously stated : but the eight fol- lowing are the most indisputable : 1. Nigellus Baron of Haulton. 2. Robert Baron of Monthalt (de monte alto) Hawarden. f2 :l<; NOTES. :;. William Malbbdeng Baron of Malbank or Nantwich. t. Kk hard Vernon Baron of Shipbrook. 6. Robert Pitz-Hogh Baron of Malpas. 6. Hamon de Mas8ey Baron of Dunham. 7. Gilbert Venables Baron of Kinderton. 8. N Baron of Stockport or Btopford. King's Vale Royal, />/>. 117. 148 King believes, that besides the Barons, two Bishops and six Abbots bad .-cat.- in the Parliainenl of Hugh Lupus or of his successors. The Bishops he mention- are those of Bangor and Chester — Bangor being under Marl Hugh's dominion because lie had extended his conquests as far as Anglesea. With regard to Chester, Hollingshead says that in the time oi William the Conqueror, "one Peter Bi>h<>[> of Litch- field and Coventry translated Ids chaire to Chester, and there held it for a season whereby it came to passe that the bishops of Lichfield were for a while called bishops of Chester. But Robert his successor not likeing of this president removed his chaire from Chester to Coventrie." <-..■. Chronicle Vol. 1. /'. 142. The Abbots who Bate in the Parliament of the Earldom are by King thus enu- merated. 1. Tic Abbot of S. Wbrburgh's in Chester. •2. The Abbot of Cdmberherb. .'!. The Abbot of Stanlaw or the Stonet mi. 1,. 4. The Abbot of Norton. •">. The Abbot of Birkhead. <>. The Abbot of Vale Royal. Hist, of Cheshire, pp. Id!), 150 " On the side of the lower court of the Castle of Ches- ter [before the late alterations) stood the noble Room called Hugh Lupus's Hall — in which the Courts of .lu-iicc for the County were Bince long held. Adjoining to the end of this great Hall recently stood the Court uf Exchequer or Chancery of the County Palatine. This very building is said to have been the Parliament House NOTES. 37 of the little Kings of the Palatinate." Ormcrod's Che- shire. See also the engraving in that irorh. Note XXIII.— Stanza 26. Leads to the Refectory's distant site. The Conventual Buildings arc said to have occu- pied nearly one fourth of the City, bounded by the Citv Walls on the North and East, and with slight exceptions by the North Gate and East Gate streets on the remaining sides. — Qrmerod's Chesh. p. 217- The principal part of the Abbot's Lodgings was converted into the Bishop's Palace after the Reformation. The Abbot's Hall having been stript of its lead in 1649, has since gone to decay : — the other parts of the Bishop's palace were rebuilt from the ground soon after the year 1752. The Fratry or Monk's Hall (Refectory) was converted into a School Room. Ly son's Cheshire, p. 453. Note XXIV. — Stanza 2/. And how those portals — hospitably wide — All that is here advanced is fully justified by the Chapter of the Rule of S. Benedict " De Hospitibus suseipiendis." — Omnes supervenientes hospites tanquam Christus suscipiantur, &c Ut ergo nunciatus fuerit hospes : occurratur ei a priore vel a fratribus cum omni officio charitatis: & primitus orent pariter : & sic sibi soeientur in pace : Quod pacis osculum non prius offeratur nisi oratione praemissa propter illusiones dyabolicas. In ipsa autem salutatione omnis exhibeatur humilitas. Quibus venientibus sive discedentibus hos- pitibus inclinato capite vel prostrato omni corpore in terra: Christus in eis adoretur qui et suscipitur. Suscepti autem hospites ducantur ad orationem & postea sedeat :3S NOTES. cum eis Prior aut rui jnsserit ipse. Legatur coram bospite les divina at edificetur: & post luce omnia ei ezhibeatar humanitas. Jejuoiiim a Priore frangatur propter hospitem &c. . . . Pauperum el peregrinorum maxime susceptio omni curt Bollicite exhibeatur. . . . Coquina Abbatis & bospitum per se >it : at incertis boris superrenientes hospites qui nunquam desunl monasterio liiiii inquietent fratres. 8tc. Item ft cellam hospitum babeat assignatam Prater: cujus anitnam timor dei possi- deat: ul>i sint lecti strati sufficienter: &c. Regula Beatissimi Patria Benedicti (Let-Gallice) a Porta, 6. de Marnef. L500. Ito. Note XXV.— Stanza 28. Tltut through the Dormitory's k-ngth Us gleam, tyc. The ancient Dormitory of this Monastery, extending over the East Cloister, in length (according to Willis" 1 one hundred feet, is at the present period (1823) under- going B COmpleat demolition. The -Monks were to sleep in single beds, if possible all in one Chamber, — a light was to he kept constantly burning till break of day in the apartment. " Singuli per singula lecta dormiant. &c. Si potest fieri omnes in nno loco dormiant. . . Candela jugiter in cadera cell* ardeat usque mane." Regula 8< Benedicti, fol. JtXx. The same rule says, " Lectisternia pro modo conversationis secundum dispositionem abbatia sui accipiant." .Air Grose Bftys " their beds were a mat, BOme Btraw, and a pillow — their covering a blanket, and a piece of serge. Pre/, to Antuj. Vol. 1. p. 7" This agrees with the Rule — " Stramenta leetorum matta, sagum, lana et capitale" (Galliee), " ung matteras, une grosse sarge vclue a mectrc sur le matteras, et une couverture de layne pour soy couurir, et ung chevet pour la teste." Regula ut supra, /<>/. 49. 50. NOTES. 39 Note XXVI.— Stanza 29. Since girt his loins In slumber, — nor abandon 'd e'er his vest : They were to sleep in their habiliments — " Vestiti dormiant & cincticingulis aut funibus." Regula ut supra, fol. xxx. The Rule ordains vestments adapted to tem- perature and climate: — " Cuculla," a cloak covering the head and all the body, full and not scanty, of coarse shaggy cloth in winter, plain cloth or half worn out in summer : " Tunica," a vest without sleeves : " Scapu- lare propter opera," — this was a smaller kind of cloak used in the act of labour : " Propter opera tantum con- stituit S. Benedictus alteram cucullam quae dicitur Sca- pulare, eo quod hujusmodi vestis apta sit caput tantum et scapulas tegere." (Du Fresne et Du Cange Glos- sarium.) " Pedules et Caligae" (indumenta pedum). Each Monk to have change of clothing for sleeping and cleanliness. " Cuculla:" and " Tunics," of a some- what better quality were furnished from the Vestiary to such as were sent abroad, and were replaced there on return. — Another article of dress was worn occasionally. "Femoralia hi qui in via diriguntur de Vestiario accipiant, qui revertentes ibi lota restituant." Gallice, " Ceulx qui sont envoyez dehors prennent du Vestiaire des femoralles quon appelle " petits draps." Et quant ilz sont revenuz les remectent ou ilz les ont prins bien nectz et bien lavez." A Monk's whole wardrobe and "apparatus" are thus summed up "Cuculla, tunica, pedules, calige, brachile, cultellus, graphum, acus, mapula.tabule,"— GW//<^, " Coucoule que nous appellons froc robbe, chaussous, souliers, chaulses, manches, cous- teau, leguille dont on escript es tablets- Item une eguille a couldre mouchouers, tabletes pour escripre, affin que tout excusation de necessite soit ostee." He was allowed no property or conveniences of an exclusive 40 KOTBS. or appropriate description. Regula ut supra, fol. .00 & 35. NOTE XXVII.— Stanza 30. Kens not these nightly orisons ? Matins, PRIME, Timm, Sixth, Xonk.s, \'i ssPBRBl and COMPLINE, arc the constant divisions of those Manuals of Devotion intitied "IIoki" or "Lbs HEUBES." In reference to tins distribution of the Hours of Public Worship thus St. Benedict in his Utile. — " Ut ait Propheta, Septies in die laudem dixi tibi. Qui septenarius Bacratus numerus a nobis sic implebitur si matutine, prime, tertie, sextc, none, vesperc, comple- toriique tempore nostre servitutis officia persolvamus. Quia de his horis dicit propheta septies in die laudem dixi tibi. Nam de nocturnis rigiliis idem ipse propheta ait, "Media nocte Burgebam ad confitendum tibi" Ergo hi- temporibus referamus laudes creatori nostra super judicia justitiae sua; : id est matutinis, prima, tertia, se.xta, nona, vespera, completorio. & noete BUTga- mus ad confitendum ei." Reg. Ut supra, fol. xxvii. The " Matutinae " or " Laudes " were generally cele- brated " in fine Noctis" — "Ordo conveniens est, (says Durandus) " ut a tenebris procedamus in lucem, et non e converso, ideo a noctis officio inchoauius " — And " Sane per nocturnas excubias diaboli ritamus insidias & ideo nocte. Burgentes currimus campanis auditia ad ecclesiam veluti exercitus ad militiam audito clangore tubarum." Rationale Div. Officiorum, de Nocturnis. Dr. Johnson cites from Dryden the expression "Mid- night matins." The " Prime " or first hour according to the Jewish computation was that which followed the rising sun; the "Sixth" was always at noon. An abbreviator of Durandus says, " Rubescente dici aurora cantamus laudes matutinas qiuu ' .Matulime' nuneupan- NOTES. 41 tur :" and of the other six canonical hours " Sub Prima, hora duas complectimur, ipsam videlicet primam & se- cundam : sub Tertia tres, ipsara tertiam et quartam et quintam : sub Sexta itidem tres, ipsam sextain, septi- mam et octavam : sub Nona duas, ipsam nonain et de- cimam : Vesperse reprsesentant undecimam : Comple- toriuin duodecimam." On rising from supper the Monks were to assemble and sit together, and one was to read to them a portion of the " Collationes" or " Vitse Patfum," or some other edifying work. — The Pentateuch or His- torical books of Scripture were interdicted at this part of the day, but permitted at others. After the reading of four or five leaves they were in full congregation to perform the service of the Compline, — after which the strictest taeiturnity was enjoyed. " Omnes in unum congregati compleant : & exeuntes a completorio nulla sit licentia denuo cuiquam loqui aliquid." Regula itt supr. fol. 40. The learned Mr. Fosbrook has stated, " that the whole night and day was divided (for the ancient Ro- mish Ritual) into Eight services (which he thus enu- merates) Mattins, Lauds, Prime, Tierce, Sext, Nones, Vespers, and Completorium or Complin." But his distinction of Matins and Lauds is a manifest error. — They were confessedly the same. This, even his own illustrations prove. " The order of nightly hours (says John de Turrecremata) begins from Lauds which are called Mattins, because they are celebrated at day- break." British Monachism, chapt. iv. p. 53, note f. Lond. 1817, 4to. Matins, Prime, and Compline, were considered as nocturnal hours : Tierce, Sext, Nones, and Vespers, as diurnal. " Officium nocturnum stat in tribus : scilicet, Matutinis quae fient media nocte ; Prima, quae fiet dilu- culo, & Completorio quod dici debet crepusculo. Ofli- cium diurnum consistit in Tertia, Sexta, Nona, & G 42 NOTES. Vesperis." Lyndtoood Prwhunole, p. 22J, & not. a. b. Oxon. 1679. fol. Note XXVIII— Stanza 3i. Ami thou' that would'. tt our hoi// warfare wage. Imitated from the words of the Rale. " Aiuculta o fili prsecepta magwtri : & incline aurem cordis tui & admonitioaem pii patris libenter excipe, &c VI te ergo nunc meuB Berao dirigitur quisquis abrenunci- ans projiriis voluntatibus : domino christo vcm regi mili- taturus obediential fortissima atque pra?clara arm: assumis.'' Reg. ad hut. Note XXIX.— Stanza 31. Shall prove us Jacob's ladder. Imitated also from the Rule, "Si sunninc humilitatis volumus culmen attingere, &c. . . . ascendentibus Si ala ilia erigenda est qu\ this prudent legislator, was at once a source of tranquillity to the first Monks of the order, and of opulence to their BUCCeSSOrB. Nw. D/rtioit/utirr HistO- rigue, Art. ll< ,i»it.) By this Rule, precise periods of the day were appointed for labour abroad, for reading, for refection, for rest or meditation. If any was observed to waste or misapply the hours of study, other employment was provided for him. At the hours of public worship they "ere to hasten from their external occupations to the Church, but without levity. If any were engaged in the cultiva- tion of lands or gardens too far from the convent, they were required to perform at the canonical hours their devotions on the spot. In the beginning of Lent, Books or "Codices" were to be distributed amongst them from the Conventual library ; which they were expected to peruse before they were returned. — They were mutually to serve each other (" sibi inviccm serviant.") Each in turn performed his weekly service in the kitchen ("in coqii'ma.") At the expiration of his week he was to wash the napkins, &c. used by the whole order, and leave every thing clean for the use of his successor. They were both to assist in washing the feet of the whoie fraternity. Servitors for the time being were allowed an extra draught of wine and piece of bread, before the general repast ; that they might attend upon the others without murmuring- Those who performed the offices of the kitchen, or waited on the rest, after- wards took their repast together. They were especially enjoined to take care of the sick. A weekly Header ("lector hebdomadarius") was appointed in succession to read to the Monks as they NOTES. ' 45 sate at meat in the Refectory, under indulgences similar to the former. The Monks were to assist each other at table ; — profound silence was to be observed, and no voice to be heard there but that of the reader. They were to signify their wants by signs. The prescribed dishes were " duo Pulmentaria" perhaps two kinds of pud- dings or pottage, varied to suit different tastes — com- mon garden herbs, pulse, and fruits, — a pound of bread for the dinner and supper, and a certain measure of wine — (" hemina" Gallice " une chopine") daily to each. — The Abbot could grant an extra allowance in cases of extreme labour. Animal food especially the flesh of quadrupeds was interdicted, unless to the sick or delicate. Such as were sent forth on messages, and were to return the same day, were forbidden to eat abroad without the Abbot's licence on pain of excommunication. Regit fa passim. 'Note XXXIL— Stanza 36. But will the wretch unmov'd, with hunger pine. In atrocious cases — or when any brother became contumacious, insolent, disposed to murmur, or in other respects a gross offender against his Rule ; the punishment prescribed — was. — 1. Private admonition by his seniors : 2. Public reproof before the whole bodv : — lastly, if still incorrigible, Excommunication and corporal chastisement. The excommunicated was sus- pended at once " a mensa & ab oratorio." The scanty commons allowed him were to be eaten apart. No brother was permitted to hold any communication with him, or even to give him in passing the usual salu- tation. " Nee a quoquam benedicatur transeunte." He who was under the sentence of excommunication " ab oratorio & a mensa," and desired to have it removed, 4(5 ROTES. was required) at the hour of prayer to prostrate himself in silence before the door of the choir. " Ante fores oraton prostratus jaceat nichil dicens, ni>i tames posits in terrain capita, prostratus, pronns, omnium de sraterio exeuntium pedibus, & hoc tain diu faciat usque dtim Abbas judicaverit satisfactum esse," &c. Lighter offences were punished by a temporary banishment from the public table of the Refectory ; the delinquent receiving bis allowance af commons in solitude some hours after the rest; and being interdicted from performing any part of the public devotional services, till due submission had been made, and the Abbot had pronounced his pardon, and confirmed it by a benediction. Beg: S. Benedict i at supra; fall. 31, 42. Note XXXIII.— Stanza 38. — Processions, Pilgrimages, Syc. Of these superstitions calculated to attract the vulgar eye, and to enrich monastic establishments, — it is unne- cessary to say more on this occasion, than that they were universally practised under the reign of Popery. With particular reference to the Abbot and Convent of St. Werburgh, — consult hysons on the subject of Helbury Island in Worral. p. (>19. Concerning " Mummeries" and Festivals attended with ludicrous exhibitions, and generally celebrated at various returning seasons of the year, the inquisitive reader may find ample de- tails in Mr. Fosbrook's entertaining chapter, intitled •' Benedictine Monachism" in the work before-cited, p. 70, seqq. The well known Chkntku Playes are said to have been composed by one Sir Henry Fran- cis, a Monk of St. Werburgh ; who " obtayned and gat of Clement the bishop of Rome a thousand dayes of pardon, &c. graunted to every person rcsortmge NOTES. 47 in peaceable manner with good devotion, to heare and see the sayd playes," &c. The representation generally commenced at the Abbey Gate, probably on a moveable stage or carriage which could occasionally be drawn to other parts of the City. On the subject of these " playes" see more largely Lysons, p. 592, seqq, and rate rod's Cheshire. Note XXXIV.— Stanza 38. As though by eddying 1 storms of Limbo tost, fyc. Eremites and friers White, black, and gray, with all their trumpery. Here Pilgrims roam, that stray'd so far to seek In Golgotha him "dead, who lives in heav'nj And they who to be sure of Paradise Dying put on the weeds of Dominic, Or in Franciscan think to pass disguis'd. • ••<•••• And now Saint Peter at Heav'ns wicket seems To wait them with his keys, and now at foot Of Heav'ns ascent they lift their feet, when lo A violent cross wind from either coast , Blows them transverse ten thousand leagues awry Into the devious air ; then might ye see Cowls, hoods, and habits with their wearers tost And fluttered into rags, then reliques, beads, Indulgences, dispenses, pardons, bulls, The sport of winds : all these upwhirl'd aloft Fly o'er the backside of the world far off" Into a Limbo large and broad, since call'd The Paradise of Fools. Milton's Par. Lost. B. iii. 474, seqq. 48 NOTES. Note XXXV.— Stanza 39. When lo I a form mqjettic sprang t<> view Henry viii — who expelled the Monki of this and other Abbeys throughout the kingdom. Concerning the excesses and irregularities charged upon most of these Monastic Institutions, the reader may consult Burnet's Hist, of the Reformation, and the official document* annexed; Grose's Preface to his Antiquities of England mid Wales, and many Other authorities. In the beginning of an ancient Charter of King Henry's foun- dation of the Cathedral of Chester ; the Monks of that place are said in general terms to have been expelled, " turn propter graves & multiplices illorum enormitates, turn oh alias justas rationabilesque causas." THE END. Primed by Henry Smith, Manchester. This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. REMINGTON RAHD INC. 20 213 i 533 TW^ 1 T lT»r» * LOS M '■-AM PR. Greswell - 1728 G623m The monastery of Saint Wer- burgh PR 1728 G628m