REMARKS, ON THE MODERN USE OF THE ARCHITECTURAL STYLES OF THE MIDDLE AGES.-No. II. vation. The same aspiring tendency of line is preserved by the tall and branching mullions of windows, whether simple, triple, or oriel; by the outline of steep gables,-by the angles of breaks, and polygonal turrets, as well as of buttresses, by clustered chimnies in one case, as by pinnacles in another,—by tall niches, and In our former notice of this subject, some observa- by broken parapets. But, in addition to this property as conducive to its dignity, the Pointed style derives many characteristic circumstances of effect from the boldness of shadow with which it marks its masses, and by the infinite diversity of light and shade with which it beautifies its varied features of detail. As to the former point, we need talk no more of the fine sha tions have been offered to shew that the earliest of our national styles of which we have any remaining examples, namely, the Anglo-Norman, is, in point of convenience and original beauty, too limited and deficient to constitute a fit study for the imitation of our own times. As contrasted with this, however, the next style to which we shall have occasion to advert exhibits the most surprising change, and the most in-dows of the classic portico, when we have the west teresting variety, of which we have any instance in the whole compass of architectural history. The original invention of the arch was, indeed, productive of numberless splendid novelties in composition; but it was reserved for the after discovery of the pointed arch, to introduce a style whose difference from all former modes is so great as to obscure in the comparison all their relative distinctions between each other, and whose beauties are such as might be demanded of the last and most perfect system of human taste. front of Peterborough cathedral before us; nor feel the want of a colonnade to flank the sides of our temples, when we direct our gaze to the lines of bold buttresses that fortify the walls of King's College Chapel: and as to the latter point, that of detail, we shall not have to extend our observations far to notice the happy manner in which the dark lines of clustered mouldings, and the richness of shadow-besprinkled foliage combine in the production of one common effect of, at first sight, undefinable beauty. In the attainment of the picturesque, these rePointed style allows to all the arrangements of plan sources are further aided by the latitude which the which expediency may suggest, without enforcing that regard to uniformity required by the classic systems; and hence, some of the most picturesque and interesting of our old exteriors are those which display the most varied alterations of time, convenience, and even caprice. If then it be inquired (as for the purposes of imitation it ought to be) to what newly-developed principles the latter style was indebted for its character and effects,—effects at once so dignified, beautiful, and picturesque, we apprehend that an answer to the question may be found in the following considerations. In the first place, the Pointed style, unlike all other modes, constantly recognizes in its comSuch then are some of the principles and circumpositions a predominance of perpendicular lines, the stances on which the style in question is dependent necessary consequence of which is an air of loftiness for its characteristic effects; and by the judicious and dignity. It has no long and deeply-moulded en-application of these it has proved that, as the greatest tablatures to carry down the eye, and to cut off the vertical lines formed by the columns below, but it applies its horizontal mouldings sparingly, and rather throws up an aspiring buttress, which, passing through all impediments, often rises aloft, bearing a pinnacle as it were to pierce the clouds. Indeed the very use of an entablature is, in this style, wholly superseded by the intervention of the arch, which on all occasions performs, or should perform, the functions of an horizontal support; and even this feature is of so happy a form that it does not, like the semicircular Roman or Norman arch, carry the eye round and down again, but draws it by the combination of curves to the lofty point, fixing it there to contemplate its ele boldness is not inconsistent with the most enchanting beauty, so the greatest solemnity of effect is perfectly compatible with the most exquisite lightness of construction, however intimately the ideas of the solemn and the ponderous might have been before associated in the minds of Egyptian and Babylonian, or of Saxon and Norman builders. Thus much then being necessarily premised, as to the leading principles and features of Pointed architecture in general, it may be proper, cursorily, to examine how far those principles have been followed, and those features brought to perfection in the practice of this style, from the period of its use to that of its disuse, and thence to determine how far any of its varieties may be available to the purposes of mo- undulation of outline, that richness, and that variety which characterize the productions of later chisels. In short, the whole range of this genus of the art exhibits Pointed architecture in its infancy, sufficiently dignified and picturesque indeed to assert the superiority of the master-principle, but not yet sufficiently refined to demonstrate the possibility of uniting qualities which subsequent works have so successfully combined, the impressive in the total, and the exquisitely beautiful in the detail. While, however, we should deprecate a severe imitation of the older style, we may nevertheless, retain one of its most interesting features in the use of the triple lancet window, subject, however, to a complete modification of its mouldings to suit the taste of later art. This liberty, though it be not often taken, and though requiring much judgment in the use, may be defended, not only on the score of practicability and beauty, but upon the authority of ancient precedent; to prove which we need refer only to several fine examples in Worcester Cathedral of triple lancet windows, which (though at a period, it must be allowed, probably subsequent to that of their original erection,) have been filled with mullions and tracery, and that not without an addition to their beauty. And, indeed, when we have borrowed from the early style this distinguishing object, it should seem that that style can afford us little else than those features which are actually met with under a refined and improved form in the architecture of after ages. The mode of architecture which obtained during the first of these periods, has for its most distinguishing features the high gable, the massive buttress with plain water-tables, the simple pinnacle, the lancet and triple lancet window, the high-arched doorway, frequently divided into two by a central column, from which spring mouldings which branch into compartments of rude tracery,* and, internally, groined stone ceilings exhibiting a correspondent simplicity of principle and ornament. Of this style, Salisbury Cathedral and the Ladye Chapel at Southwark may afford some illustration. This, though it be a class of architecture productive of many impressive effects in the total, we should hesitate to consider a fit model for voluntary imitation. Our objection to it, however, arises, not from any inefficiency in the mass, but from its imperfect developement of many of the beauties and varieties of detail. If, for instance, any thing like tracery be attempted in works of this period, it is composed of abrupt curves of multitudinous moulding The next period of the art then to which we are meeting each other at a sharp edge, so as entirely to called to advert, embraces the latter part of the destroy the cusp or feathering which gives to the thirteenth, and the former half of the fourteenth cenmore modern tracery all its finished beauty. The turies. This period includes all those architectural mouldings of this period also exhibit too little variety varieties which developed themselves from the comof contour to render them worthy of unqualified praise. mencement of the erection of Westminster Abbey, Those of the columns and arches do indeed hold a down to the mid-way completion of York Cathedral. considerable depth and force of shadow; but their During this stage of its progress, the art exhibits many section displays on examination too great a redun- fine novelties and rapid advances towards perfection. dancy of monotonous serpentine line, to make them Single windows display more and more taste of imaat all comparable with the beautifully-developed, ever-gination from their first division into two bays or varying, yet ever-judicious, mouldings which ob- days" to their composition in six or more, while tained at the commencement of the fifteenth century. variety is increased by the introduction of triangular We may further observe, that the foliage of the lights, Catharine-wheel windows, &c. The whole deperiod in question is destitute of that freedom and partment of mouldings, whether in the jambs and mullions of doors and windows, in clustered columns and their arches, in ribbed ceilings or otherwise, evinces progressively more of attentive study and just perception. The valuable adjunct of tracery is characterized by greater lightness, developement, and tractability, though not before the close of this period arrived at its perfection. Pinnacles, from being bare, Confusion can alone result from the indiscriminate use of terms; and it therefore may be an assistance to the general reader for us to mention that the word tracery, as now used by architects, refers exclusively to that ornamental succession of small portions of circles or rings of moulding which in Gothic works is so constantly used as a subordinate decoration to the compartments of window-heads, paneling, and other objects. 66 or sparingly studied with insignificant crockets, are | Edward III., down to that of Henry VII. Our pregradually more elaborately" purfled;" and indeed the sent remarks, however, have already extended so far whole range of foliage and figure becomes bold, varied, that it must be reserved for a future occasion to notice and beautiful. The style of this period has therefore the claims which this class of art has upon the atobviously many advantages over that which preceded tention of the student, and the principles which deit; its defects, however, even in its most advanced mand to be observed in its imitation. E. T. stage, will be manifest upon contrasting it with the productions of that refined taste which discovered itself at the close of the reign of Edward III., and laid the foundation of the perpendicular and the florid modes, of which we shall have occasion hereafter to take notice in considering the third and last period of the art. Thus, for example, if we compare the composition of a large window of the time of Edward II., with that of one erected in the reign of Richard II., we shall observe in the former a want of care and 1 LEGENDIANA.-No. III. SAINT CHRISTOPHER. (Continued from p. 191.) Whilst Christopher was in prison, the king be feeling in the management of many of its lines-headed the knights whom he had converted; and curves abruptly curtailed and discontinued when they might be allowed to pass on and preserve a course of beautiful undulation,—and a general prevalence of angular forms and stinted tracery, in which the eye, though at first dazzled by the total effect, on examination seeks in vain for that repose which it cannot fail to obtain on the inspection of a well-composed window of the fifteenth century. Again, the study of mouldings, though improved during the period under consideration, was far from perfection. Thus, in works of that time, it is not unusual to see in a clustered column the place of some of the shafts of the cluster supplied by a little group of mouldings to which a capital and base are applied, but always without success, as it is impossible that the outer curves of such capital or base can rightly correspond with the intricacies of the complex moulding itself, which serves as the shaft. It is one considerable fault in the style of the period before us, that it frequently endeavours to apply mouldings to purposes for which they are not calculated; the artificers of the day having not as yet fully learned the necessity of systematizing their mouldings, and giving to each its appropriate place and function. afterwards sent two beautiful girls to the dungeon to Not content with these murders, the king determined to punish Christopher, and destroy him at the same time; so he commanded him to be thrashed with iron rods, heated red-hot, to be crowned with a circle of glowing iron, and bound on a throne of the same If then we would find a style of art which disposes of all these difficulties, which, in the treatment of all its lines of composition, displays at once dignity and breadth, continuity and repose, which in the management of mouldings exhibits propriety of application, variety of outline, and richness of shadow, and which, in the execution of all the finishings of tracery and foliage, evinces the most chaste refinement, we shall seek it with success in the monuments of architec-metal, under which a fire was lighted and fed from tural taste raised in this country during the last time to time with pitch and bitumen, until the seat and period of the science, viz. from the close of the reign of fastenings melted "like waxe;" yet, notwithstanding these fearful proceedings, the Saint "yssued out came, and they could no where be found, Dacien was wythout ony harme or hurte." Foaming with ire, the monarch next caused him to be tied to a strong stake, and shot at by the “King's archers;" but, as may be readily supposed, all the arrows missed their aim, and on the Tyrant's drawing near to address his victim, one of the darts miraculously veered about and smote him in the eye, and blinded him. Then cried Saint Christopher, "I shall die this morning,-temper a little clay with my blood and anoint thy wound, and straightway thou shalt receive health." Probably doubting the martyr's word, yet eager to put it to the proof, the king commanded him to be beheaded. When Christopher had made "hys oryson" his head was struck off, and so he died. Then the king, following the advice of the Saint, had his sight restored: this softened his hard heart, and he believed in God; but with the fervency of a new convert, he published an edict, that whoever dared" blame God and Seynt Christopher" should perish by the sword. THE SEVEN SLEEPERS OF EPHESUS. THE Seven Sleepers were born in the city of Ephesus, and when Decyan, the Emperor, came to that place on one of his persecuting errands, he commanded the people to "edefye" temples in the midst of the city, that all the inhabitants might come with him "to doo sacrefyse" to idols; and so cruelly did he punish the Christians, that friends forsook their friends, and parents their children, and children their parents. "And thenne in thys cite were founden seuen crysten men, that is to wete," Maximen, Malchus, Marcianus, Denys, John, Sempion, and Constantine: these were the first who refused to sacrifice, and grieving for the calamities which assailed the just, they concealed themselves in their own houses. They were soon after accused before Dacien, who gave them space to repent until the coming again of the emperor, and during this interval they sold all their possessions, "despended thayr patrymonye in almesse to the poure peple," retreated to Mount Celion, and hid themselves in a dark cave; and Malchus, who served the rest, when he had occasion to go to the city for provisions, disguised himself as a pauper. On one of these expeditions, he heard that Decyan was returned and vehemently desired to seize them. Sorrowful in spirit, the holy man came back with haste, and related the sad intelligence to his fellows, " and thenne were they sore aferde, and whan they had taken theyr reflection and satte in wepyng and waylynges, sodenly as God wold, they slepte." And when the morning very angry, because he had lost "suche yong men," and sending for their relatives threatened them with death, if they told him not all they knew respecting their kindred, "and they accused them and complayned that they had despended al theyr richesses," and stated where they were concealed. Then the emperor choaked up the cavern's mouth with stones; and Theodore and Ruffine "wrote their martirdom and leyde it subtilly among the stones." Now about three hundred and seventy-two years after, in the thirtieth year of the reign of Theodosius, the heresy of those who denied the resurrection of the body so greatly prevailed, that that prince wept bitterly, clad himself in hair-cloth, and led a holy and religious life," whiche God merciful, and piteous, seeying, wold comforte them that were sorrowful and wepying, and gyue to them esperaunce and hope of the resurexyion of deed men, and opened the precyous tresour of his pyte and reysed the forsayde martirs.". A certain citizen of Ephesus had resolved to erect on Mount Celion a dwelling for his herdsmen, and it so chanced that the masons opened the cave, and the saints immediately awoke; and, supposing that they had only slept one night, began to prepare their minds for coming torment, but feeling themselves ravenously hungry, they dispatched Malchus with five pieces of silver in his purse to buy some food, who when he saw the masons "began to blysse hym, was moche admerueyllyd." And when he reached the City his wonder increased tenfold, for he beheld the sign of the cross thereon! and on every gate appeared the same sign; so he "aduyseed and comforted hymself, and couered his vysage and entred in to the cite ;" and when he reached the market-place he heard all the people talking about their Saviour Christ. Then quoth the saint," I trow this is not the City of Ephesus, for it is all otherwise builded; it is some other city, I wot not what." This the bystanders presently informed him was not the fact; so he went to a baker's, but when he took out his money, the shopkeepers began to wonder in their turn at the antique impress on the coin, and agreed among themselves that the youth had discovered some old treasure. Naturally supposing that he was known, and that the bread-sellers were plotting to betray him, Malchus entreated them to let him go, and "kepe both money and breede." "Nay," said they, "you have found some treasures of the old Emperors," share them with us, and we will keep your secret." Malchus was too alarmed to reply, so they put a cord about his neck 6 and dragged him into the midst of Ephesus, bawling | commanded that "all the bysshops that wold confesse the while that their prisoner had found great riches,' the resurrection shold be assoyled."-The legend which Malchus, who had now recovered his self-concludes thus: "It is doubte of that whiche is sayde possession, as stoutly denied. that they slepte ccc lvii yere. For they were reysed the yere of our lord iiii e lxxviii, and Decius regned but one yere and thre monethes, and that was in the yere of our lord ii c and lxx, and so they slepte but iic and viii yere.' J. F. R. At length, Saint Martin, the bishop, and Antipater, the consul, heard the report, and sent for the prisoner and his money; and Malchus went trembling to the church, expecting to meet his foe, the emperor. He was there interrogated how he had obtained the silver, he answered" by inheritance." The judge then enquired of what city he was: he replied, "of Ephesus." "Then let thy kindred bear witness to thee," returned the consul. Then Malchus mentioned the names of several, but no one had ever heard of them, so all the people concluded that the prisoner was endeavouring to cheat them. "This money," observed the judge, was coined three hundred and seventy-two years ago, in the first year of Decius, [named Decyan at the beginning of this legend], how may it come fro thy lygnage so long sythe,' and thou art young, and wouldest deceive these wise and ancient citizens, thou shalt be punished as the law directs until ye confess where ye found this treasure." NOTICES OF KING ALFRED. FROM AN ANGLO-SAXON MANUSCRIPT. His THERE are few of our monarchs whose public history contains more romance than that of Alfred. struggles with the Northmen, his alternate successes and defeats, now a conqueror, now a fugitive, his attachment to literature, and his zeal for every thing tending to promote the moral and political improvement of his subjects, render his name dear to every Englishman. It is to be regretted that we are possessed of so few Then Malchus knelt down and enquired for Decius: materials for a history of his life. The scanty notices to this the bishop made answer, that he had long been of the Saxon Chronicle, the meagre accounts of dead. "That cannot be," returned the saint," for Asser and of Ethelward, are the only sources from it was but yesterday that I beheld him: follow me. and I will shew you my fellows, who have hid them-historians who lived after the Conquest wrote at a which indisputable information can be gleaned. The selves in Mount Celion to escape his fury." Concluding that the youth had seen a vision, the good prelate, and a great multitude of the citizens, repaired to the holy mountain, and saw the Christians seated in the cavern, and "theyr vysages like unto roses flowring" so they glorified God. Then the bishop sent immediately to the emperor, who rising from the dust, and doffing his mourning garments, hurried from Constantinople to Ephesus, where he was met by the rulers of the city, who conducted him to the cave of the miracle. And when the saints perceived him coming, their faces blazed like the noon-day sun, and Theodosius embraced them all reverently, and glorified the Lord Christ, who had raised them from the dead to justify to the truth of the resurrection. And when they had been seen by all the people, they bowed their faces earthward and gave up the ghost. Then the emperor commanded that gold and silver supulchres should be made to contain their most precious bodies; but on the night following they appeared unto him in a dream, and craved him to permit them to lie in the cave as they lay before their revival. So Theodosius adorned that place "nobly and richely" with precious jewels, and period when the memory of his deeds was passing court the favour of the Normans, by applauding the away, and when there was a greater inducement to warriors of their own race, and little was to be gained by recording the virtues of the darling of the humbled Saxons. It is therefore with some pleasure, that the writer of the present notice introduces to public attention the following interesting account of an eventful portion of Alfred's life, a portion in which he was reduced to the last extremities, and compelled to shelter himself under the roof of a bondman. The legend is also curious, as containing a very early version of the well-known story concerning the treat * On the screen in St. Edward's Chapel, in Westminster Abbey, one of the sculptured subjects represents the Seven Sleepers lying in the cave on their left side, as St. Edward had seen them in a vision, with the "eye of his mind." This, according to his life, by Abbot Ailred, was ascertained by three messengers dispatched to the Emperor Theodosius, who had the cave opened in consequence of the embassy.-Edward, in his vision, having beheld the Seven Sleepers turn from the left, the pious monarch, from this change of position, foretold right side, on which they had previously been sleeping, to the that, for seventy years, his kingdom would be subject to great misfortunes. Such is Ailred's assertion.-ED. |