It might at first appear somewhat strange that these interesting remnants of early belief should have escaped the notice of your numerous correspondents, whose attention has for so long a period been directed to this inquiry: but this may be accounted for if we remember that the volume in which they occur is one which would seem, _primâ facie_, least likely to afford any such materials. It is one of those uninviting bulky folios of which the reigns of James and Charles I. furnish us with so many specimens. Here we might fairly expect to discover abundant illustrations of patristic and scholastic theology, of learning and pedantry, of earnest devotion, and ill-temper no less earnest; but nothing whereby to illustrate the manners or customs, the traditions, or the popular usages or superstitions, of the common people. This may be a hint for us, however, to direct our attention to a class of literature which hitherto has scarcely received the attention to which it would appear to be entitled; and I would venture to express my conviction, that if those who are interested in the illustration of our popular antiquities were to give a little of their time to early English theology, the result would be more important than might at first be anticipated. L. B. * * * * * THE BALLAD OF SIR HUGH, ETC. The fact mentioned by your correspondent C. CLIFTON BARRY, at p. 357., as to the affinity of Midland songs and ballads to those of Scotland, I have often observed, and among the striking instances of it which could be adduced, the following may be named, as well known in Northamptonshire: "It rains, it rains, in merry Scotland; It rains both great and small; And all the schoolfellows in merry Scotland Must needs go and play at ball. "They tossed the ball so high, so high, And yet it came down so low; They tossed it over the old Jew's gates, And broke the old Jew's window. "The old Jew's daughter she came out; Was clothed all in green; 'Come hither, come hither, thou young Sir Hugh, And fetch your ball again.' "'I dare not come, I dare not come, Unless my schoolfellows come all; And I shall be flogged when I get home, For losing of my ball.' "She 'ticed him with an apple so red, And likewise with a fig: She laid him on the dresser board, And stickéd him like a pig. "The thickest of blood did first come out, The second came out so thin; The third that came was his dear heart's blood, Where all his life lay in."