"Some officer, or state prisoner, on being led out to be shot, refused either to listen to a confessor, or to cover his eyes with a handkerchief." The remark was, that "he refused a bandage for either mind or body." It smacks somewhat of Voltaire. MELANION. _Change of Name_.--If, as it appears by a recent decision, based, perhaps, on a former one by Lord Tenterden, that a man may alter his name {247} as he pleases _without the royal license_, I wish to know what then, is the use of the royal license? B. _The Symbolism of the Fir-Cone_. What does the "fir-cone" in the Ninevite sculptures mean? Layard does not explain it. Is it there as the emblem of fecundity, as the pomegranate of Persia and Syria? Has it altogether the same character as the latter fruit? Then--was it carried into Hindostan _via_ Cashmir? When? By the first wave of population which broke through the passes of the Parapamisus? B.C. _Kentish Ballad_.--When I was a boy, I can remember hearing a song sung in Kent, in praise of that country, which I never could find in print, and of which I am now glad to recollect the following stanza:-- "When Harold was invaded, And falling lost his crown, And Norman William waded Through gore to pull him down; When countries round With fear profound, To help their sad condition, And lands to save, Base homage gave, Bold Kent made no submission." Can any reader furnish the remainder, and state who is the author? F.B. _Curious Monumental Brass_.--I have a rubbing of a Brass, presenting some peculiarities which have hitherto puzzled me, but which probably some of your more experienced correspondents can clear up. The Brass, from which the rubbing is taken (and which was formerly in the Abbey church of St. Albans, but when I saw it was detached and lying at the Rectory), is broken off a little below the waist; it represents an abbot, or bishop, clad in an ornamented chasuble, tunic, stole, and alb, with a maniple and pastoral staff. So far all is plain; but at the back (i.e. on the surface hidden when the Brass lay upon the floor) is engraved a dog with a collar and bells, apparently as carefully executed as any other part. Can you tell me the meaning of this? I can find no mention of the subject either in Boutell or any other authority. The fragment is about 18 inches long, and the dog about 6, more or less. RAHERE. Jan. 26, 1850. _Tickhill, God help me_.--Can any one tell why A Tickhill man, when asked where he comes from, says, "Tickhill, God help me." Is it because the people at Tickhill are famed for misery, as the neighbouring town of Blythe seems to have been so called from its jolly citizens? R.F. JOHNSON.