SCOTUS.

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English Prize Essays.—­Is there at present, in either of the universities, or elsewhere, any prize, medal, or premium given for English essays, for which all England could compete, irrespective of birth, place of education, &c.; and, if so, particulars as to where such could be obtained, would greatly oblige

MODEST AMBITION.

Rev. Joseph Blanco White.—­History of the Inquisition.—­In the Rev. J.H.  Thom’s Life of the Rev. Joseph Blanco White it is stated that he had made a collection for a history of the Inquisition which he intended to publish; and in a batch of advertisements preceding the first volume of Smedley’s Reformed Religion in France, published in 1832 by Rivingtons, as part of their Theological Library.  I find an announcement of other works to be included in the series, and amongst others, already in preparation, The Origin and Growth of the Roman Catholic Inquisition against Heresy and Apostacy; by Joseph Blanco White, M.A.  I need not ask whether the work was published, for it is not to be found in the London Catalogue; but I wish to ask whether any portion of the work was ever placed in the publisher’s hands, or ever printed; or whether he made any considerable progress in the collection, and, if so, in whose hands the MSS. are?  Such papers, if they exist, would probably prove of too much importance to allow of their remaining unpublished.

IOTA.

Lady Deloraine.—­The Delia of Pope’s line,

  “Slander or poison dread from Delia’s rage,”

is supposed to have been Lady Deloraine, who remarried W. Windam, Esq., of Carsham, and died in Oct., 1744.  The person said to have been poisoned was a Miss Mackenzie.  Are the grounds of this strange suspicion known?

EDWARD F. RIMBAULT.

Speke Family.—­I shall be glad to ascertain the family name and the armorial bearings of Alice, wife of Sir John Speke, father of Sir John Speke, founder of the chapel of St. George in Exeter Cathedral.  She is said to have been maid of honour to Queen Catherine.

J.D.S.

Pope’s Villa.—­In Pope’s Literary Correspondence, published by Curll, an engraving, is advertised of his (Pope’s) Villa at Twickenham, engraved by Rysbrach and published by Curll.  Are any of your correspondents aware of the existence of a copy, and the price at which it can be obtained?

C. BATHURST W.

Armorial Bearings.—­Among the numerous coats-armorial in the great east window of the choir of Exeter Cathedral, there is one respecting which I am at a loss.  Argent a cross between four crescents gules.  Can either of your readers kindly afford the name?

J.D.S.

Passage from Tennyson.—­You have so many correspondents well versed in lore and legend, that I am induced to beg through you for an explanation of the allusion contained in the following passage of Tennyson:—­