In Chambers' _Edinburgh Journal_, vol. xvii. p. 24., there is a very interesting article, bearing the above heading, in which it is shown that Theodore Palæologus, the fourth in direct descent from Thomas, the younger brother of Constantine, the last Christian Emperor of Greece, lies buried in the church of Landulph in Cornwall. This Theodore married Mary, the daughter of William Balls, of Hadley in Suffolk, gentleman; by whom he had issue five children, Theodore, John, Ferdinando, Maria, and Dorothy. Theodore, the first son, died in or about 1693, without issue. Of John and Ferdinando there is no trace in this country. Maria died unmarried; and Dorothy was married at Landulph to William Arundell in 1636, and died in 1681. Ferdinando Palæologus appears to have died in the island of Barbadoes in 1678, and was buried in the church of St. John. These researches are extremely interesting, and it is only to be regretted that they are not more frequently made and left on record. Allow me to suggest that such of your readers as have time, inclination, and opportunity for making inquiries of this nature, should, through the medium of "N. & Q.," place on record any striking illustrations similar to the above. Your own publication, Vol. iii., p. 350., contains a list of names of the poor of St. Albans, several of which are borne still by noble families. Possibly there may be still existing descendants of the Dorothy Palæologus who married William Arundell at Landulph. To mention another instance: I believe there now lives at Rugby a member of the legal profession, who is directly descended from one of the most renowned Polish families. Particulars of this case, if furnished by or with the consent of the head of the family, would, I have no doubt, prove exceedingly interesting. L. L. L. THE LAST LAY OF PETRARCH'S CAT. In the year 1820 I saw the following Latin verse inscribed under the skeleton of a cat in one of the rooms of Petrarch's favourite villa at Arqua, near Padua. If you choose to print them, with or without the accompanying English version, they are at your service:-- Etruscus gemino vates ardebat amore: Maximus ignis ego; Laura secundus erat. Quid rides? divinæ illam si gratia formæ, Me dignam eximio fecit amante fides. Si numeros geniumque sacris dedit illa libellis Causa ego ne sævis muribus esca forent. Arcebam sacro vivens à limine mures, Ne domini exitio scripta diserta forent; Incutio trepidis eadem defuncta pavorem, Et viget exanimi in corpore prisca fides. * * * * * The Tuscan bard of deathless fame Nursed in his breast a double flame, Unequally divided; And when I say I had his heart, While Laura play'd the second part, I must not be derided.