72 



On Church Bells. 



preserved in many Wiltshire belfries ; but why should there be no 

 memorials there of recent exploits ? 



Rules for ringers have always been considered necessary, and 

 sometimes ancient ones in rhyme are preserved in belfries; e.g., in 

 the church of North Parret, Somersetshire, are the following 

 curious lines: — 



" He that in ringing takes delight, 

 And to this place draws near, 

 These articles set in his sight, 

 Must keep, if he rings here. 



The first he must observe with care ; 



Who comes within the door, 

 Must, if he chance to curse or swear, 



Pay Sixpence to the poor. 



And whosoe'er a noise does make, 



Or idle story tells, 

 Must Sixpence to the ringers take, 



For mending of the bells. 

 Young men that come to see and try, 



And do not ringing use, 

 Must Sixpence give the company, 



And that shall them excuse. 



He that his hat on's head does keep, 



"Within this sacred place, 

 Must pay his Sixpence ere he sleep, 



Or turn out with disgrace. 

 If any one with spurs to's heels, 



Rings here at any time, 

 He must for breaking articles, 



Pay Sixpence for his crime. 



If any overthrow a bell 



As that by chance he may; 

 Because he minds not ringing well, 



He must his Sixpence pay. 



Or if a noble-minded man 



Comes here to ring a bell, 

 A tester 1 is the sexton's fee 



Who keeps the church so well. 



Whoever breaks an Article, 



Or duty does neglect, 

 Must never meddle with a bell, 



The rope will him correct." 2 



1 Tester, teston, testoon— equals twelve pence of time of Henry VIII. 

 2 Collinson's History of Somersetshire, Vol. ii., p. 336. 



