264 The Battle of Ethandun. ' 
It appears that Mr. Scrope has erected a tower on his domain at 
Yatton in honour of the great Alfred, and, as is presumed, com- 
memorative of his victory on that spot. A fact unknown to me, 
when my observations on Dr. Thurnam’s paper were written. It is 
natural that the views of the founder should gain strength from 
such an effort, and hence perhaps has arisen the “empressement”’ 
and vivacity with which the ground of my respected adversary, 
Dr. Thurnam, has been occupied. Erections however founded on 
hypotheses, from the Monument of London! to those of our own 
times, as they court observation, must bear the brunt of various 
opinions. But as an example of the architectural taste and patrio- 
tism of our accomplished associate, there will be probably but one 
opinion; and in this sense, let me say in all sincerity, “hic murus 
aheneus esto; 
may he long live to survey it, and enjoy, with as 
many converts as he can make, the historical associations he con- 
nects with it. How far those associations, are, or are intended to 
be embodied in the inscription, “Alfredo Victori super paganos, 
A.D. pocctxxvi, dicatum,” which appears on the tower, it is not 
for me minutely to enquire. A passenger more familiar with the 
classic or even the recognized language of Rome, than with that of 
Asser, would scarcely be assisted in his interpretation by the con- 
trast drawn by Juvenal® between the ‘pagan’ and the ‘soldier,’ 
“‘citius falsum producere testem 
Contra paganum possis, quam vera fore eas 
Contra fortunam armati, contraque pudorem.” 
He might also perhaps be led beyond the mark. But I presume 
not to wander further, 
‘super et Garamantas et Indos ,’’ 
into another field, lest it should be said on this point, as it may 
have been already thought on the whole subject, “sed super hac 
re nimis.”” 
1 «Instead of a glorious monument of their past history this nation wished to 
hallow the remembrance of a fatal accident, in attributing it by an absurd pre- 
judice to the Catholics.”"—England, by the Duc de Lévis. Quoted in ‘Beauties 
of England and Wales,’ vol. x. part 3, p. 648. 
2 ee xvi. 32. 
iH. Burs, Printer, Saint ‘John Street, Devizes. ; 
