Page images
PDF
EPUB

THE DAGGER

Supposed to be the Model of those which ministered to the Massacre of the Britons at Stonehenge, Found in Wales.

THIS curious little weapon was found in the vicinity of Cillgeran, in Pembrokeshire, and appears to be the very same which was shewn to the reverend Theophilus Evans, author of a much-esteemed work in the British language, entitled "A View of the Primitive Ages," first published in 1739, wherein he exactly describes it, agreeing in almost every particular with what is here represented, for he says, "The blade was seven inches long, and more than half an inch wide, double edged, five inches of the seven. The handle was of ivory, of minutely skilful workmanship, having on it the figure of a naked woman, with a round ball in her left hand, and her right resting on her hip; on which side stood the figure of a boy with the sun-beams (a glory) round his head: the sheath was also of ivory, and very curiously ornamented." This is a translation of Mr. Evans's description, and is very accurate, as far as his conception of the figures went, but he entirely mistook that of the boy, which is clearly a Cupid, by the side of his mother,

THE DAGGER.

invests the son of Venus with, the wings, the bow and quiver. The supposed massacre at Stonehenge, Mr. Evans, in the running-title of his book, calls "the treachery of the long knives," and the story of this horrid slaughter is to be found in the most authentic and most ancient Welsh MSS. and even in the writings of those contemporary with Jeffrey of Monmouth, who rejected his fables. The scene of this treacherous plot is laid on Salisbury Plain, which, from its extent and central situation, was well calculated for great national conventions, at which it was not lawful for even the prince to appear armed; a favourable circumstance, which the wily Saxon availed himself of, the better to accomplish his murderous design without suspicion.

The original of the weapon here represented is preserved in the museum of John Symmons, esq. of Paddington House.

The Proprietors of this Work are obliged to John Fenton, esq. the author of an "Historical Tour through Pembrokeshire," for this, and the two preceding descrip

tions.

[graphic]

Remains of the Chapel. Episcopal Palace Lincoln.

Published for the Proprietors, by Warke New Bond Stand Carpenter, Old Bond ML11.

« PreviousContinue »