truism than a wise
aphorism. It does not even necessarily convey the intended meaning; nor, if
unaccompanied by an explanation, would it be safe from a widely different
interpretation. A previous correspondent of "NOTES AND QUERIES" had termed
it "this fine aphoristic expression;" and yet, when Lord Bacon himself
expands the thought into an aphorism, he does so without recurring to the
phrase in question, which is a tolerably fair proof that he did not look
upon it as a peculiarly happy one. (_Novum Organum_, lib. 1., Aphorismus
LXXXIV.)

T. J. infers that if the phrase were a quotation it would have been
preceded by "ut dictum est" rather than by "ut dicamus"--but even if it had
been introduced by the first of these forms, it does not appear that it
would thereby have been proved to be a quotation; because there are
instances wherein Lord Bacon directly refers to the source from which he
professes to quote, and yet prefers to give the purport in his own words
rather than in those of his author. Thus, in citing one of the most
exquisite and familiar passages of Lucretius, he introduces it by the
prefix, "_Poeta elegantissime dixit_." And yet what follows, although
printed in italics with every appearance of strict quotation, is not the
language of Lucretius, but a commonplace prose version of its substance.
(_Sermones Fideles_, De Veritate.)

With reference to Lord Bacon's works, there are two Queries which I wish to
ask.

T. J.'s friend mentions a rare translation into English by Gilbert Wats,
Oxford, as existing in Primate Marsh's library. Query, _Of what_ is it a
translation?

In Lord Bacon's life, by William Rawley, it is stated that his lordship was
born in a house "infra plateam dictum _Le Strand_ juxta Londinum."

Query, Was the Strand ever known as _Le Strand_, similarly to
Adwick-_le-street_ in Yorkshire?

A. E. B.

* * * * *

Replies to Minor Queries.

_Sir Gammer Vans_ (Vol. ii., pp 89. 280.).--The story related by S. G. is
the same that I inquired after, and I admire the accuracy of his memory,
for his version is, for the greater part, _literally_ the same that I heard
in Ireland sixty years ago. A few passages, as that about _hipper
switches_, I do not recollect; and one or two that I remember are
wanting--the one, that the narrator was received in "a little _oak_
parlour" of, I forget what, different character; the other, that Sir
Gammer's "mother," or "aunt, wa