55 



information from the middle of tlie 17th century downwards 

 that has been collected and tabulated, have become important 

 documents. Special service has been done by these searchers 

 among dry and dusty parchments, especially with regard to 

 mediaeval history. The record of these stming times is simply 

 a record of blazon, and were it not for the story of the shields, 

 there would be httle else for the writer to draw his materials 

 from, documentai'y data being so scarce. So sculptured shields 

 on spandi'il and tomb, and ceiling, on pavement and window 

 come to give their helping hand to compile the story of the 

 national progress. In this connection Hamertou says " Genealogy 

 holds the lamp to Heraldry." The artist who would place on 

 canvas the record of his country's achievements must not ignore 

 the existence and claims of the subject, and no architect would 

 find a gothic creation of his brain complete, without summoning 

 to his aid a tribute from the art. The archaeologist is assisted by 

 its study in penetrating the mysteries of the past, and through the 

 cobwebs and dusty accumulation of the ages identifies remains by 

 armorial sculpture on the tomb, and the moralist finds food for 

 profound reflection in the study of Heraldry, as it is full of sug- 

 gestive thoughts which may convey useful lessons and counsel. 

 But whatever the Herald or Genealogist may do they cannot pre- 

 vent the decay of families or their extinction. This is inevitable, 

 and the moral is that this probationary term is best employed in 

 Aveaving the virtuous fabric of a worthy coat, one, which though 

 not embroidered on banner, nor inscribed on scroll, will ever 

 remain painted on the memories of men, sruTounded by the halo 

 of an upright life. 



The illustrations comprised about 200 emblazoned shields descriptive of the 

 science, of Heraldry, together with a number of painted escutcheons representing 



local names These were prepared by the Misses Strange, Contributions towards 



the exhibits were also generously made by Col. Thiursby, J.P., (through Mr. F. J. 

 Grant,) Mr. J. Langfield Ward, M.A., President of the Club; Mr. Thos, Preston, 

 Mr. liupton, Mr. W. Waddington. Mr. S. P. Leather, and the Exors. of Mr. Edward 

 Jeffery Strange of Tunbridge Wells. The exhibits remained on view in the Council 

 Chamber on the following day. 



THE ANCIENT EPIC AND DRAMA AS RE- 

 PRODUCED IN ENGLISH POETRY. 



By the President— J. LANGFIELD WARD, M.A. 

 September 28th, 1886. 



After a short comparison of the importance of Greek, of Eoman, 

 and of Hebrew hterature, the subject was thus begun : — there are 

 two or three different ways of dealing with my subject, each of 

 which presents some advantages : I might take ancient literature, 

 and giving an historical glance show how each author's writings 



