"--and the "gleesome Anna" would be the "merry
mouse in the mill." It may be worth the while of gentlemen conversant
with the ballad literature and political squibs of both the periods here
indicated, to notice any traces in other squibs and ballads of the same
imagery that is employed in this. It would also be desirable, if
possible, to get a complete copy of these verses. My own memory can only
supply a part, or rather disjointed parts: but I think it probable that
it may be easily obtained by persons resident in the counties bordering
on North Wales, especially in Shropshire or Herefordshire, and perhaps
in Cheshire or Staffordshire.
I should not have thought of troubling you with my own reminiscences as
an answer to an antiquarian question, but for the fact that even these
go further back than any information that has been sent you.
T. S. D.
Shooter's Hill, June 7.
_Cavell_ (Vol. i., p. 473.).--To cast cavells, _i.e._ to cast lots, is
in constant every-day use in Northumberland. The Teutonic derivation
given is correct.
W.
_To endeavour Ourselves--The Homilies._--Perhaps your correspondents G.
P. (Vol. i., p 125.), and C. I. R. (Vol. i., p. 285) may, from the
following passages, conclude that "ourselves", is the object of the verb
"endeavour."
"He did this to this intent, 'that the whole clergy, in the mean
space, might apply themselves to prayer, not doubting but that
all his loving subjects would occupy themselves to God's honour,
and so endeavour themselves that they may be more ready,'" &c.
&c.--Heylin, _Hist. of the Reform. from an Act passed in Edward
VI.'s Reign_, 1548.
"Let us endeavour ourselves, both inwardly in our hearts, and
also outwardly with our bodies, diligently to exercise this
godly exercise of fasting."--_Homily on Fasting_ (end).
"Only show yourselves thankful in your lives, determine with
yourselves to refuse and avoid all such things in your
conversation as should offend his eyes of mercy. Endeavour
yourselves that way to rise up again, which way ye fell into the
well or pit of sin."--_Hom. on the Resur._ (near the end).
"From henceforth let us endeavour ourselves to walk in a new
life."--_Hom. of Repentance_, Pt. 2. (end).
There are many other similar passages in the "Homilies". I have also
noticed the following Latimer's Sermons:--
"The devil, with no less diligence, endeavoureth hims
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