1891-92-] 3^1 



because as a horse cannot be governed without a bridle, so also 

 are riches without wisdom unmanageable and pernicious ; the 

 pomegranate, of populousness ; the ivy, antiquity ; ears of corn, 

 fertility ; the palm branch was a token of joy, and used as an 

 emblem to express the conviction that trouble had been ex- 

 changed for prosperity. A crown symbolised the laws, and 

 therefore the phrase " Pluck not a crown " meant offend not the 

 laws, which are the crown of a nation. Anger was represented 

 by fire, and contention by a sword ; a lamp burning, from its 

 united qualities of brightness and purity, was an emblem of 

 philosophy. 



In the sculptures, coins, gems, and other subjects of ancient 

 art that have come down to us, we have abundant evidence of 

 the constant use of typical forms to express ideas suited to the 

 general understanding ; and from contemporaneous literature 

 we know how thoroughly each device must have been under- 

 stood and appreciated by a quick-witted people. In the later, 

 as well as the earlier times, the thoughtful sought and found 

 semblances in all things. Philo, a celebrated philosopher 

 among the Platonists, relates that the Christians who lived in 

 Alexandria in his time used to employ themselves in this holy 

 exercise, and that they seemed to regard the law as having a 

 body and soul represented by the letter and spirit. 



Mythological emblems, and emblems of early faiths, and 

 particularly Christian symbolism, open too wide a field, and one 

 too rich in precious memories, to enter on at the present time. 

 I therefore only mention this great branch of symbolic art, that 

 I may not be accused of altogether ignoring it. For the same 

 reason the symbolism of colours, and also of floral emblems, I 

 must pass over, as well as some other branches of the subject. 



THE IMPRESS OR DEVICE. 



Long ago it was the custom for persons in the higher ranks to 

 choose an impress or device as a personal mark, peculiarly their 

 own, as their fancy might dictate. Generally it was a sort of 

 playful reference to the name or the emblem of some quality 



