Mediaeval bells have many curious inscriptions on them, which record the name of the donor, the bell-founder, together with heraldic and other devices. The inscriptions are often written in the first person, the bell being supposed to utter the sentiment, as it sends forth its sound. A study of the inscriptions on bells is full of interest. The earliest are simple dedications of the bell to our Lord, or to some saint. The principal inscriptions of this class are: "Jesus," "Jesus Nazarenus Rex Judeorum," "Sit nomen IHC benedictum," "Sum Rosa Pulsata Mundi Maria Vocata," "Sum Virgo Sancta Maria." The invocation, "Ora pro nobis," very frequently is inscribed on bells, followed by the name of some saint, and almost every saint in the Calendar is duly honoured in some bell inscription. Bells were always rung on joyful occasions; hence inscriptions expressing thankfulness and praise were appropriate. Consequently we find such words as "Laus et Gloria Deo," "Laus Deo Gratia Benefactoribus," "Alleluja," "Praise God," and other similar inscriptions of praise. Some old bells have Latin hexameter verses inscribed on them, composed by monks, which are called Leonine verses, from one Leoninus, a monk of Marseilles, who lived in the early part of the twelfth century. A few examples of these will suffice:-- "Est michi collatum ihc illud nomen amaetum." "Protege Virgo pia quos convoco Sancta Maria." "Voce mea viva depello cunta nocina." This refers to the belief that the ringing of bells drives away all demons and tempests, storms and thunders, and all other hurtful things. One bell proudly asserts:-- "Me melior vere non est campana sub ere." Inscriptions in English are often quaint and curious. Here is one from Somerset:-- "My treble voice Makes hearts rejoice." Another self-complacent bell asserts-- "If you have a judicious ear, You'll own my voice is sweet and clear." Loyal inscriptions are often found, such as-- "For Church and King We always ring." "I was made in hope to ring At the crownacion of our King." "Ye people all that hear me ring Be faithful to your God and King." A bell that has been recast sometimes praises the merits of its new founder at the expense of its first maker, as at Badgworth, Gloucester:-- "Badgworth ringers they are mad, Because Rigbe made me bad; But Abel Rudhall you may see Hath made me better than Rigbe." Sometimes all the bells which compose a peal tell their various uses. Thus at Bakewell we find some verses on each bell:-- 1. "When I begin our merry Din This Band I lead from discord free; And for the fame of human name, May every Leader copy Me." 2. "Mankind, like us, too oft are found Possess'd of nought but empty sound." 3. "When of departed Hours we toll the knell, Instruction take and spend the future well."