18. The choir is so called from the harmony of the clergy in their chanting, or from the multitude collected at the divine offices. The word _chorus_ is derived from _chorea_, or from _corona_. For in early times they stood like a crown round the altar, and thus sung the Psalms in one body: but Flavianus and Theodorus taught the antiphonal method of chanting, having received it from S. Ignatius, who himself learnt it by inspiration. The two choirs then typify the angels, and the spirits of just men, while they cheerfully and mutually excite each other in this holy exercise. Others derive _chorus_ from _concord_, which consisteth of charity; because he who hath not charity, cannot sing with the spirit. But what this choir signifieth, and why the greatest in it sit last, shall be explained in the fourth book. [Footnote 151] And observe, that when one sings, it is called in Greek a _monody_, in Latin _tycinium_. When two sing, it is called _bicinium_; when many, a _chorus_. [Footnote 151: We may observe that Prynne perverts the fact, that the westernmost seats in the choir are the most honourable, to a depreciation of the Catholic custom of the position of the altar. See his 'Pacific Examination,' s.v.] {22} 19. The exedra is an apsis, separated a little from a temple or palace; so called because it projecteth a little from the wall (in Greek [Greek text]), and signifieth the lay portion of the faithful joined to Christ and the Church. The crypts, or subterranean caves, which we find in some churches, are hermits who are devoted to a solitary life. 20. The open court signifieth Christ, by Whom an entrance is administered into the heavenly Jerusalem: this is also called porch, from _porta_, a gate, or because it is _aperta_, open. 21. The towers are the preachers and prelates of the Church, which are her bulwark and defence. Whence the bridegroom in the Canticles saith to the bride, 'Thy neck is like the tower of David builded for an armoury.' [Footnote 152] The pinnacles of the towers signify the life or the mind of a prelate which aspireth heavenwards. [Footnote 152: Canticles iv, 4.]