Sun-dials 
361 
deciphering of what has been happily termed the 
Literature of the Bookless. This literature was 
placed that he who ran might read ; and its opening 
chapters were in the form of inscriptions and legends 
and mottoes 
which were 
placed, not only 
on buildings and 
walls, and pillars 
and bridges, but 
on household 
furniture and 
table utensils. 
The inscribing 
of mottoes on 
sun-dials appears 
to have sprung 
up with dial- 
making; and 
where could a 
strict moral les- 
son, a suggestive 
or inspiring 
thought, be bet- 
ter placed? Even 
the most heed- 
less or indifferent passer-by, or the unwilling reader 
could not fail to see the instructive words when he 
cast his glance to learn the time. 
The mottoes were frequently in Latin, a few in 
Greek or Hebrew ; but the old English mottoes 
seem the most appealing. 
Yes, Toby! It’s Three O’clock. 
