Roses; an habit of purple, damasked down to his feet, a Collar of Esses of Gold about his neck, which being proper to places of Judicature, makes some think he was a Judge in his old age.  Under his feet the likeness of three Books, which he compiled, the first named Speculum Meditantis, written in French:  the second, Vox Clamantis, penned in Latine:  the third, Confessio Amantis, written in English, which was Printed by Thomas Berthelette, and by him dedicated to King Henry the Eighth, of which I have one by me at this present.  His Vox Clamantis with his Cronica Tripartita, and other Works both in Latine and French, Stow saith he had in his possession, but his Speculum Meditantis he never saw, but heard thereof to be in Kent.

Besides, on the Wall where he lieth, there was painted three Virgins crowned, one of which was named Charity, holding this device,

  En toy qui es fitz de Dieu le Pere,
  Sauue soit, qui gist sours cest pierre.

The second Writing Mercy, with this Decree,

  O bone Jesu fait ta mercy,
  Al’ ame, dont le corps gisticy.

The third Writing Pity, with this device,

  Pour ta pite Jesu regarde,
  Et met cest a me en sauue garde.

And thereby formerly hung a Table, wherein was written, That whoso prayed for the Soul of John Gower, so oft as he did it, should have a M. and D. days of pardon.

His Arms were in a Field Argent, on a Cheveron Azure, three Leopards heads gold, their tongues Gules, two Angels supporters, on the Crest a Talbot.

His Epitaph.

Armigeri Scultum nihil a modo fert sibi tutum, Reddidit immolutum morti generale tributum, Spiritus exutum se gaudeat esse solutum Est ubi virtutum Regnum sine labe statutum.

All I shall add is this, That about fifty years ago there lived at Castle-Heningham in Essex, a School-master named John Gower, who wrote a witty Poem, called the Castle Combate, which was received in that Age with great applause.

* * * * *

GEOFFERY CHAUCER.

Three several Places contend for the Birth of that famous Poet. 1. Berkshire, from the words of Leland, that he was born in Barocensiprovincia; and Mr. Cambden avoweth that Dunington-Castle nigh unto Newbery, was anciently his Inheritance. 2. Oxfordshire, where J.  Pits is positive that his Father was a Knight, and that he was born at Woodstock. 3.  The Author of his Life, set forth 1602. proveth him born in London, out of these his own words in the Testament of Love.

Also in the City of London, that is to me so dear and sweet, in which I was forth grown, and more kindly love have I to that place, than any other in yerth, as every kindely creature hath full appetite to that place of his kindly ingendure, and to wilne rest and peace in that stede to abide, thilke peace should thus there have been broken, which of all wise men is commended and desired.