of the dregs of the old faith; and some practices of
Paganism may have long continued, as amongst the Bretons1 and
inhabitants of Armorica, the Druidic circle, the cromlech and the cairn,
had so strong a mystery for the fears or reverence of the population,
that, in spite of the prohibitions of their Church and its ministers, they
were ever found lingering by the "weird grey stones" with
reverence and awe. The use of these spheres for magical purposes. both in
ancient and modern times, in Europe as in the East, is a fact too well
established to challenge debate. We have even in our own day seen the
crystal consulted with implicit belief by well-educated people. The rude
Anglo-Saxon valued it for some purpose unknown, and it was buried with him
in the grave. Was it not with him some symbolical remnant of mystery or
ancient superstition? It is nothing very extraordinary if it were; but
surely it would be something to be marvelled at if a thing, then prized
only |
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as an ornament, became in an after age, and in a highly-educated
one, considered to possess wonderful and magical properties.
One of our best living authorities2 enters
somewhat into this view of the case when he describes these crystals as
worn or used as amulets. Another3 classes them merely as
ornaments to the person.
Beads, Silver Ring (Plate II., fig. 4), Echinus.More
than 140 beads were found in the grave. Of these, 133 are of red
amber, but have lost all their external lustre from long contact with
the soil. There are two of clay, large and ornamented with different-
coloured striae, and some few of porcelain. The number much exceeds the
quantity usually found, and the large proportion of amber beads probably
attests the wealth of
1. See Barzaz Breiz, by Villemarque, Introduction.
2. Mr. Wright, Pagan Saxondom, p. 10.
3. Note by Mr. C.R. Smith to Inventorium Sepulchrale, p. 43. |