THE PAGAiN-CHRlSTlAfr OVERLAP OF THE WISE BIRD. 137 



crossed. He seems to have no nimbus, but some sort of crown, 

 perhaps of thorns. Beneath His feet, which are doubtless bare, is 

 a globe, the world that He came to save. 



The Holy Ghost is seen, as a Dove, flying downwards with out- 

 stretched Avings and beak directed to the right ear of the Father, 

 who turns His head a little, the better to receive the divine 

 message, uttered within His nimbus which thus becomes common 

 to the Two. 



This group is enclosed by an arched moulding or frame which is 

 cut on the same stone, and which has a capital on either side 

 from which the arch springs. That on the heraldic right bears a 

 branch of the Tree of Life, whilst that on the left holds an animal 

 of Norman type, the writhing Monster of Sin or Death. 



All these examples belong to pre-Reformation times. The Wise 

 Bird is not often to be seen in Protestant churches except in 

 remote parts of Sweden, where a Dove, suspended from the sound- 

 ing board, hangs above the pulpit of the preacher ; and perhaps in 

 those parts of England where the lectern is supported by an eagle 

 of brass. 



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