e states. There is also another which appeared
between the time of Hollar and Gent, in Meisner's _Libellus novus politicus
emblematicus Civitatum_, published in 1638, which though not "remarkable
for accuracy of design," is well worthy of notice. It bears the title "Hull
in Engellandt," and also the following curious inscriptions, which I copy
for the interest of your readers:

"Carcer nonnunquam firmum propugnaculum. Noctua clausa manet in carcere
firmo; Insidias volucrum vetat enim cavea."

"Wann die Eull eingesperret ist,
Schadet ihr nicht der Feinde list,
Der Kefig ist ihr nicht unnuetz,
Sondern gibt wieder ihr Feind schuetz."

These lines refer to a curious engraving on the left side of the plan,
representing an owl imprisoned in a cage with a quantity of birds about,
endeavouring to assail it.

R. W. ELLIOT.

Clifton.

_"I put a spoke in his wheel"_ (Vol. viii., p. 351.).--Does not this phrase
mean simply interference, either for good or evil? I fancy the metaphor is
really derived from putting the bars, or spokes, into a capstan or some
such machine. A number {523} of persons being employed, another puts his
spoke in, and assists or hinders them as he pleases. Can a _stick_ be
considered a _spoke_ before it is put into its place, in the nave of the
wheel at least? We often hear the observation, "Then I put in my spoke,"
&c. in the relation of an animated discussion. May I venture to suggest a
pun on the preterite of the verb _to speak_?

G. WILLIAM SKYRING.

_Pagoda_ (Vol. viii., p. 401.).--May not the word _pagoda_ be a corruption
of the Sanscrit word "Bhagovata," sacred?

BISHOP OF BRECHIN.

Dundee.

_Passage in Virgil_ (Vol. viii., p. 270.).--On this part of Johnson's
letter, Mr. Croker observes:

"I confess I do not see the object, nor indeed the meaning, of this
allusion."

The allusion is to Eclogue viii. 43.:

"Nunc scio, quid sit Amor: duris in cotibus illum
Aut Tmarus, aut Rhodope, aut extremi Garamantes,
Nec generis nostri puerum nec sanguinis, edunt."

As the shepherd in Virgil had found Love to be not the gentle being he
expected, but of a savage race--"a native of the rocks"--so had Johnson
found a patron to be "one who looked with unconcern on a man struggling for
life," instead of a friend to render assistance.

Supposing Johnson's estimate of Lord Chesterfield's conduct to be correct,
I cannot help thinking the allusion to be emine