The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction. Volume 20, No. 571 (Supplementary Number) — John Shaqi
The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction. Volume 20, No. 571 (Supplementary Number)Various
General
The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction. Volume 20, No. 571 (Supplementary Number)
Various
Popular literature -- Great Britain -- Periodicals
A handsome Medal, in bronze, of the lamented Baronet, has been
published from the establishment of Mr. Parker, (medallist, and the
originator of some ingenious improvements in the construction of
lamps), in Argyle-place. The obverse is from Chantrey's celebrated
Bust of Sir Walter, and the reverse a graceful female figure, with the
inscription, "to great men;"--designed by R. Stothard, Esq., the
venerable Academician, and engraved by his son, A.J. Stothard, Esq.
The profile of the obverse is encircled with a motto chosen by Sir
Walter, as will be seen by the following letter; the date of which
shows that the medal was submitted to his approbation some months
since, together with a medal of his present Majesty. The letter is
likewise treasurable,[19] as well for the writer's opinion of the
Monarch, as of the productions of his own pen:--
[19] First printed in the _Literary Gazette,_ No. 819.
"Sir,--I would long ere now have answered your very obliging letter
with the medals. That representing our Sovereign seems most
beautifully executed, and is a striking resemblance. I have very
little turn for imagining mottos, it being long since I read the
classics, which are the great storehouse of such things. I think that
a figure or head of Neptune upon the reverse, with the motto round the
exergue, _Tridens Neptuni sceptrum mundi_. I think this better than
any motto more personally addressed to the King himself than to his
high kingly office. I cannot, of course, be a judge of the other
medal; but such of my family as are with me think it very like. If
there is any motto to be added, I should like the line
"Bardorum citharas patrio qui redidit Istro.
"because I am far more vain of having been able to fix some share of
public attention upon the ancient poetry and manners of my country,
than of any original efforts which I have been able to make in
literature.
"I beg you will excuse the delay which has taken place. Your obliging
communication, with the packet which accompanied it, travelled from
country to town, and from town to country, as it chanced to miss me
upon the road.
"I have the honour to be, sir, your obliged, humble servant,
"WALTER SCOTT.
"Edinburgh, 29th May.
"Samuel Parker, Esq., Bronze Works,
"12, Argyle-place, London."
The likeness of the medal is strikingly correct; and Mr. Parker, with
becoming taste, causes an autograph copy of the letter to be delivered
with each medal.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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