xii PREFACE. 



trunk is above nine yards, and its branches extend 

 over the graves beneath to an immense extent. On 

 entering the church we are struck with astonishment 

 at the sight of the gigantic effigies and tombs that 

 occupy a very large proportion of its interior ; there 

 are four reclining figures of men in armour, and on a 

 tomb near the pulpit, in the middle of the church, are 

 figures in brass of Nicholas, Lord de la Beche, and his 

 lady, resting their heads on stone pillars, and their 

 feet on lions or dogs. The effigies are all of the family 

 of de la Beche, who came from Normandy with 

 William the First. Tradition says there was a pedi- 

 gree of the family formerly hung at the east end of 

 the south aisle ; but that, when Elizabeth visited 

 Aldworth in one of her excursions, Leicester took it 

 down to show to Her Majesty and it was never replaced. 

 The arches against the north and south walls over the 

 tomb of Lord and Lady de la Beche are much enriched 

 with quartrefoils, roses, crocketts, &c., in the prevail- 

 ing taste of Edward the Third.' These few instances 

 feelingly remind one * what shadows we are and what 

 shadows we pursue.' 



A translation from some Chinese book thus 

 moralises on the revolutions of families: 'These 



