(such was the Religion of those times) to be daily sung for
him, as also an _Obit_ within the same Church to be kept on Friday
after the Feast of St. _Gregory_. He lieth under a Tomb of stone, with
his Image also of stone over him, the hair of his head auburn long to
his shoulders, but curling up, and a small forked beard; on his head a
Chaplet, like a Coronet of four Roses; an habit of purple, damasked
down to his feet, a Collar of Esses of Gold about his neck, which being
proper to places of Judicature, makes some think he was a Judge in his
old age. Under his feet the likeness of three Books, which he compiled,
the first named _Speculum Meditantis_, written in _French_: the second,
_Vox Clamantis_, penned in _Latine_: the third, _Confessio Amantis_,
written in _English_, which was Printed by _Thomas Berthelette_, and by
him dedicated to King _Henry_ the Eighth, of which I have one by me at
this present. His _Vox Clamantis_ with his _Cronica Tripartita_, and
other Works both in _Latine_ and _French_, _Stow_ saith he had in his
possession, but his _Speculum Meditantis_ he never saw, but heard
thereof to be in _Kent_.

Besides, on the Wall where he lieth, there was painted three Virgins
crowned, one of which was named _Charity_, holding this device,

_En toy qui es fitz de Dieu le Pere,
Sauue soit, qui gist sours cest pierre._

The second Writing _Mercy_, with this Decree,

_O bone Jesu fait ta mercy_,
_Al' ame, dont le corps gisticy._

The third Writing _Pity_, with this device,

_Pour ta pite Jesu regarde,
Et met cest a me en sauue garde._

And thereby formerly hung a Table, wherein was written, That whoso
prayed for the Soul of _John Gower_, so oft as he did it, should have a
M. and D. days of pardon.

His Arms were in a Field Argent, on a Cheveron Azure, three Leopards
heads gold, their tongues Gules, two Angels supporters, on the Crest a
Talbot.

His Epitaph.

_Armigeri Scultum nihil a modo fert sibi tutum,
Reddidit immolutum morti generale tributum,
Spiritus exutum se gaudeat esse solutum
Est ubi virtutum Regnum sine labe statutum_.

All I shall add is this, That about fifty years ago there lived at
_Castle-Heningham_ in _Essex_, a School-master named _John Gower_, who
wrote a witty Poem, called _the Castle Combate_, which was received in
that Age with great applause.

* * * * *

_GEOFFERY CHAUCER_.

Three several Places contend for th