agree with the description of the Black Rood of St. Margaret which, as Lord Hailes says, "was of _gold_, about the length of _a palm_; the figure of ebony, studded and inlaid with gold. A piece of the true cross was enclosed in it"? 5. As to the cross "miraculously received by David I., and in honour of which he founded Holyrood Abbey in 1128," and which some antiquaries (see _A Brief Account of Durham Cathedral_; Newcastle, 1833, p. 46.) gravely assert was to be seen "in the south aisle of _the choir_ of Durham Cathedral at its eastern termination, in front of a wooden screen richly gilt and decorated with stars and other ornaments," are not all agreed that the story is a mere monkish legend, invented long after Holyrood was founded (although, perhaps, not so recent as Lord Hailes supposed)? and is it not, therefore, absurd to speak of such a cross being taken at the battle of Durham, or to identify it with the Black Rood of Scotland? 6. The quotation of W. S. G. from the _MS. Dunelm_ is curious; but is there any contemporary authority for the Black Rood having been taken with King David at the battle of Durham? I can find none. 7. Is it not, however, probable that King David lost _two_ crosses at Durham, one a military cross, carried with his army, and taken from the Abbey of Holyrood; and the other the famous Black Rood found on his person, and made an offering to the shrine of St. Cuthbert? This would reconcile some apparent discrepancies. 8. I find it noticed by Richardson in his _Table Book_ (Newcastle, 1846, vol. i. p. 123.), that "there is a letter in the British Museum (Faustina, A 6. 47.) from the prior of Durham to the Bishop (then absent), giving an account of the battle of Neville's cross." Has this letter been printed, and where? If not so, will any of your correspondents have the {105} kindness to examine it, and say if it gives any information as to a cross or crosses captured with the King of Scots? J. D. N. N. * * * * * Minor Queries. _The "Tanthony."_--When the porteress at the principal entrance to Kimbolton Park opens the gates for the admission of a visitor, she rings a bell to give warning to the servants at the castle of his approach. This bell is popularly called the "Tanthony," in reference, I presume, to some legend of Saint Anthony. Will one of your readers be good enough to enlighten me? ARUN. "_Beauty Retire._"--Will the noble editor of Pepys's _Diary_ permit me to ask him whether he has seen, in the Pepysian library, or elsewhere, a copy, either in print or MS., of Pepys's song, "Beauty Retire," words and music; or is it to be found in any miscellaneous collection of songs? I. H. M.