x_, &c., corresponding precisely to the English _single_, _double_,
_treble_, &c. And as _single_ denotes a thing without a fold, so does
_simplex_. MR. JEFFCOCK'S derivation would make _simplex_ and _duplex_ mean
the same thing. Now _duplex_ does not mean twice folded, but double.

Nor can I think that _singulus_ can be "semel and termination." Ainsworth
derives it from the Hebrew [Hebrew: SGLH], which denotes whatever is
peculiar or singular. It occurs to me to suggest whether it may not be
derived from _sine angulis_. The term denotes unity--one person, one thing.
Now the Roman mark for one is a straight line, and that is "that which lies
evenly between its extreme points;" it is emphatically a line without bend,
angle, or turning--"linea sine angulis:" _angulus_, like its Greek
original, denoting any bend, whether made by a straight or curved line.

Though I cannot at this moment refer to any other Latin words compounded of
_sine_, we have in Spanish _simpar_, without equal: _sinigual_,
_sinjusticia_, _sinrazon_, _sinnumero_, _sinsabor_.

The delight I take in endeavouring to attain the correct meaning of the
classics will, I hope, form some apology for the length of this Note.

S. G. C.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

* * * * *

POETICAL TAVERN SIGNS.

(Vol. viii., p. 242.)

In an old collection of tavern signs of the last century, among many others
I find the following. On the sign of the "Arrow," at Knockholt, in Kent,--

"Charles Collins liveth here,
Sells rum, brandy, gin, and beer;
I made this board a little wider,
To let you know I sell good cyder."

On the sign of the "Shoulder of Mutton and Cat," at Hackney, in
Middlesex,--

"Pray Puss don't tear,
For the mutton is so dear;
Pray Puss don't claw,
For the mutton yet is raw."

On the sign of the "Gate," at Blean Hill, in Kent,--

"Stop, brave boys, and _squench_ your thirst,
If you won't drink, the horses must."

On the sign of the "Ship in Distress," in Middle Street, Brighton,
Sussex,--

"With sorrows I am compass'd round;
Pray lend a hand, my ship's aground."

On the sign of the "Waggon and Horses," in Black Lion Street,
Brighthelmstone,--

"Long have I travers'd both far and near,
On purpose to find out good beer,
And at last I found it here."

RUBY.

At a small way-side beer-shop in the parish of Werrington in the county of
Devon, a few years since there was the following sign: