By the Rigid Rev. the Bishop of Salisbury. 227 



enough, in the case of a post-Reformation Bishop (William, Bishop 

 of Dunkeld, 1677, id., II., 1038). 



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 Sigillum 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, 

 &c, &c. 



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 la 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. $ 



