(as does the glittering stone JStites) prevent the falling sickness, and poisons, if worn on the finger."
We
read that when Geoffrey, Sixteenth Abbot of St. Alban's, was completing
the shrine of his patron Saint,—for which the treasury of the Church
was utilised, —a precious stone was forthcoming so large that a man
could not grasp it in his hands, the same being reputed to help women
in child-birth : and therefore this stone was not made fast in the
masonry of the shrine, because it might be of service to save women's
lives. On it was carved an image as of one in rugged clothes, holding a
spear in one hand, with a snake winding itself up it; and in the other
hand a boy bearing a buckler. At the feet of the image was an eagle,
with wings expanded, and lifted up.
This
" Cock-eagle's stone" of Mr. Bartlett brings to mind a ludicrously
pathetic incident which occurred when our unfortunate monarch, poor
George III. (" Farmer George," as people then styled him,) first showed
indications of mental infirmity. The lamentably grotesque occasion was
when he addressed the assembled Houses of Parliament as " My Lords, and
turkey-cocks! " Manifestly his mind was already confusing kingly duties
with the pastimes of his poultry yard. Parliament was straightway
prorogued till November 1st, 1810; but the demented Sovereign was not
then in a fit condition to perform any royal act. Under the
circumstances Parliament met without being summoned by their king ; so
that it devolved upon the Speaker to take the Chair of Presidency on
that memorable occasion.
" Among all fowls, in the eagle the virtue of sight is most mighty, and strong. And the sharpness of her
