of the College.
FOOTNOTES:
[16] In all cases I have refrained from using the Latin, and have
contented myself with giving the English translation.
[17] The words "Pray for the soul," or "May whose soul God pardon," were
sufficient excuse for fanatics such as Dowsing to destroy or deface the
beautiful brasses in various parts of the kingdom. But the fanatics were
not alone to blame; for it is well known that churchwardens and even
incumbents of our churches have in many cases taken up and sold the
brasses to satisfy some whim of their own in what they called
"restoration" of the edifice over which they had charge.
[18] It may appear to my readers somewhat strange that in this case the
words "Pray for the soul" and "May God have mercy, &c." are intact.
Until 1898 this chantry had a boarded floor above the slab, the fillet
round not being visible. The figure itself with label was affixed to a
board and placed in the vestry for those who cared to inspect it. When
the floor was removed the Brass was placed in its proper place on the
slab and the whole inscription could then be seen. There are the
matrixes of four coats of arms. Probably they were King's, Eton, the
University, and Argentine's own coat, which was gules, three covered
cups argent. At the upper corners of the fillet are the evangelistic
emblems of St. Matthew and St. John, while those of St. Mark and St.
Luke, which were evidently at the bottom, have been taken away.
Conclusion
LIKE human beings, the chapel has received well-merited praise from
many, while some have used their knowledge (or want of it) to criticise.
Fuller speaks of it "as one of the rarest fabricks in Christendom,
wherein the stonework, woodwork, and glasswork contend which shall
deserve most admiration." To quote Carter again: "It is entitled to be
ranked with the finest buildings of the world," although he further goes
on to say: "The exterior aspect is perhaps justly open to some
criticism, but it has received unqualified abuse at the hands of some
writers." Ruskin was very severe, comparing it to a billiard table,
turned upside down, the four corner turrets being the four legs; but he
afterwards, it is said, retracted. The late Rev. Augustus Austen Leigh,
Provost of the College from 1888 to 1905, in writing a history of the
College, says: "Like other really great works, King's Chapel produces an
impression which is instantaneous, and at the same time permanent. It
does
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