y explains, "_Gromets_ or _Gromwells_, the most
servile persons on ship-board," probably, metaphorically, from
"_Gromet_ or _Grummet_," "small rings," adds Bailey, "fastened with
staples on the upper side of the yard." The latter term is still in
use; the metaphorical one is, I believe, quite obsolete.

C.

_Meaning of "Grummett," &c_.--The word is derived from the Low Latin
"_gromettus_", the original of our "groom" (see Ducange's, _Gromes_
and _Gromus_), and answers to the old French _gourmete_, i.e.
_garcon_. In old books he is sometimes called a "novice" or "page,"
and may be compared with the "apprentice" of our marine. He was
employed in waiting on the sailors, cooking their victuals, working
the pumps, scouring the decks, and, in short, was expected to lend
a hand wherever he was wanted, except taking the helm (Clairac,
_Commentaire du premier Article des Rooles d'Oleron_); and,
consequently, is always distinguished from, and rated below, the
mariner or able-bodied seaman.

The information here given is taken from Jal, _Archeologie navale_,
vol. ii. p. 238.

A. RICH, Jun.

* * * * *

MISCELLANIES.

_The Duke of Monmouth_.--I made the following note many years ago,
and am now reminded of its existence by your admirable periodical,
which must rouse many an idler besides myself to a rummage amongst
long-neglected old papers. This small piece of tradition indicates
that the adventurous but ill-advised duke was a man of unusual
muscular power and activity.

"On the 8th of July, 1685, the Duke of Monmouth was brought
a prisoner to Ringwood, and halted at an inn there. My
mother, who was a native of Ringwood, used to relate that her
grandmother was one of the spectators when the royal prisoner
came out to take horse; and that the old lady never failed to
recount, how he rejected any assistance in mounting, though
his arms were pinioned; but placing his foot in the stirrup,
sprang lightly into his saddle, to the admiration of all
observers."

ELIJAH WARING.

Dowry Parade, Clifton Hotwells, March 21. 1850.

* * * * *

TO PHILAUTUS.

(_FROM THE LATIN OF BUCHANAN_.)

Narcissus loved himself we know,
And you, perhaps, have cause to show
Why you should do the same;
But he was wrong: and, if I may,
Philautus, I will freely say,
I think you more to blame.
He loved what others loved;