By the Right Rev. the Bishop of Salisbury. 227 
enough, in the case of a post-Reformation Bishop (William, Bishop 
of Dunkeld, 1677, 2d., II., 1028). 
The original difference in idea between the two legends appears 
to me to be this, though I do not suppose that it was present to the 
_ mind of the Bishop or his engraver in every case. The nominative 
case accompanies an actual representation of the Bishop himself 
blessing, to illustrate the introductory salutation of deeds and letters. 
It is not, I suppose, a portrait, but, at any rate shows such a dress 
as he would actually wear. The Sigil/wm with the genitive leaves 
greater play for the imagination and, in later days at least, accom- 
panies a composite design, including coats of arms, saints, emblems, 
&e., &e. 
The two seals in the first class which present the most peculiar 
features are those (9) of William of York (which I owe to the 
kindness of Mr. Osmond), and (15) that of William de la Corner, 
the last of the class. 
In (9) that of William of York (1247-56) there are two small 
heads in circular frames, or windows, one to the left, the other to 
the right, of the central figure, about half-way down, perhaps 
representing the Blessed Virgin and our Lord—perhaps, St. Peter 
and St. Paul—and below them two small figures of saints, which 
appear to be St. John the Baptist, holding a lamb and flag in a 
circle, and St. Laurence, holding a gridiron. The mitre is jewelled 
and embroidered, and so are the sleeves of the dalmatic. 
In (15*) that of William de Ja Corner, 1289-91, which in several 
ways marks a period of transition, the figure has a canopy above it, 
the first in the series, and the field is diapered and figured with 
lions, and there is a shield of arms at the base, the blazon of which 
I cannot make out, but it seems to be something within a bordure 
charged with some device, perhaps fleur-de-lys. This I was inclined 
to conjecture might be some form of the Royal arms, of which we 
shall see a peculiar specimen later on in the case of Lionel Wydville. 
It would, however, probably be safer to suppose that they are the 
arms of William de la Corner himself. Mr. Hope’s earliest shield 
of arms is almost exactly of the same date, viz., William de Luda, 
Bishop of Ely in 1290. 
VOL, XXIV.—-NO. LXXI. Q 
