e of Bakewell,
which we have already figured in _The Mirror_.[4] It evidently
originated with the same people as that at Eyam, though it is much
more mutilated. These crosses have been generally regarded as Saxon or
Danish, though the probability is in favour of the Saxon origin, from
the high veneration of the Saxons for the sacred symbol of the cross.
Thus, stone crosses were not only parts of the decorations of every
church and altar, but set up as land-marks on the high roads as aids
to devotion, and in market-places as incentives to integrity and
fair-dealing.

[4] Vol. xi. p. 40.

Near the cross at Eyam, and in the distance of the Cut, is the tomb of
Mrs. Mompesson, on one end of which is an hour-glass with two expanded
wings; and underneath on an oblong tablet is inscribed CAVETE;
(beware,) and nearer the base, the words _Nescitis Horam_ (ye know not
the hour). On the other end of the tomb is a death's head resting on a
plain, projecting tablet; and below the words _Mihi lucrum_ (mine is
the gain).

The second hallowed relic is at Wheston a small and pleasant village,
which is situated on an eminence that forms one side of Monksdale,
and which at this place is known by the name of Peter-dale. A short
distance from hence is Tideswell, about four miles from Eyam.[5]
"Wheston," observes Mr. Rhodes, "though consisting of a few houses
only, is a picturesque little place: the trees which are mingled with
the cottages, are so abundant, and everywhere so finely foliaged, that
the place altogether, particularly when seen at a short distance,
appears more like a copse or wood than a village." The position of the
Wheston cross favours the conclusion already made as to the purposes
for which this kind of emblem was originally set up in England. It
stands in the village, _near the road-side_. The upper part of the
cross resembles in some of its ornaments the mullion-work of a Gothic
window: the shaft is unadorned, and more modern. One side represents
the infant Saviour in the arms of his mother: over their heads is a
faint indication of a star, emblematic of the ray that directed the
wise men of the East to the birthplace of Jesus. The reverse of the
cross exhibits the crucifixion of Christ, whose birth and death it
has apparently been the design of the sculptor to commemorate in the
erection of this symbol of his faith. Similar structures are by no
means uncommon by the road-sides throughout France, and to this day