THE BLESSINGS OF LIFE. S^f 



made principal features in the effect to be prodticed, and this 

 frequently with nothing more than the conamon red brick, as is the 

 case in this instance. 



The derivation of Porter's Mill is no doubt from the family 

 of Porter, who for nearly four hundred years occupied land in 

 what is now considered the parish of Claines. Nash, in his 

 history of Worcester, quoting Leland and other authorities, informs 

 us, that in the reign of Edward I. John le Porter enjoyed a grant 

 from Bishop Giffard of a tenement in Northwick in fee for ten 

 shillings per annum. The family afterwards resided at Tapenhall. 

 In 1485 we find Margaret, wife of John Porter, with others, in 

 possession of lands at Tapenhall, and a mill, for which they owed 

 suit to the court at Worcester. In the heraldic visitation at Wor- 

 cester, in 1634, the arms of John Porter are registered, and those 

 of his grandson in 1683. The arms are sa, three bells arg., with 

 quarterings impaling three stirrups, or. 



In the church-yard of the parish of Claines, though much 

 dilapidated from its exposure to the weather, and the drippings of 

 a spout, is a very fine specimen of the style of monuments in the 

 sixteenth century, a recumbent figure in robes, upon a raised tomb 

 bearing the inscription "John Porter, which was a lawyer, 1577-" 

 The lower part of the tomb is enriched with panels, and betrays 

 the dawn of that meretricious style of ornament which prevailed to 

 the exclusion of good taste in the succeeding reigns. Probably the 

 arms of Elizabeth and the Tudor badge over the fire-place at 

 Porter's Mill were placed there by the individual whose memory 

 this monument is intended to commemorate. 



THE BLESSINGS OF LIFE. 



TRANSLATED FROM MARTIAL. 



Vitam quae faciunt beatiorem, 

 Jucundissime Martialis, hsec sunt, &c. 



WouLDST thou the choicest blessings know 

 Which man can ask, or heaven bestow ;— 

 Behold them here. A peaceful cot 

 Not gained with pain, but left by lot, 

 A fruitful field, a blazing hearth. 

 The scene of light and heartfelt mirth, 

 A mind at ease, unhurt by toils. 

 Remote from law, and city broils ; 

 The body pure, the spirits free. 

 Friends kind in true simplicity ; 

 A ready meal, a frugal board 

 With few but hearty viands stored. 

 Each evening spent in social joys. 

 Unmixed with rude and drunken noise; 

 A sprightly wife, but yet discreet. 

 Slumbers at once both sound and sweet ; 

 A heart that dreads no sorrow nigh. 

 Nor seeks, nor basely fears to die. 



E. S. 

 NO. V. 2 X 



