Chapter M: Y. R. W

I have read somewhere that these monuments with emaciated figures were erected during the lifetime of the individual as an act of humiliation, and to remind himself as well as others of mortality and the instability of human grandeur. If this cannot be disproved by facts, it affords a satisfactory solution. There is a small chapel connected with Bishop Fleming's in Lincoln Minster, and with others, where masses were said for the repose of their souls; so it is probable that these were at least designed during their lives, which would manifest their humility.

C. T.

_Coleridge's "Friend"_ (Vol. v., p. 351.).--Mr. Crewe, the bookseller of Newcastle-under-Lyne, has communicated to me some corrections upon my last notice. The great potter's name was _Josiah_, not Joseph. This was an accidental _lapsus memoriæ_ on my part. Wedgwood is spelt without the _e_, though I believe it has been spelt both ways by the family. It seems that Miss Sarah Wedgwood is still alive, and till lately resided at Camphill, Maer; but the Maer estate has been sold to Mr. Wm. Davenport, and she now resides near London. Mr. Crewe sends me the following extract, which confirms the identity of the munificent co-patron of Coleridge.

"_Extract from a Letter from Coleridge to Wordsworth, dated
Shrewsbury, January, 1798._

"You know that I have accepted the munificent liberality of Josiah
[Joshua?] and Thomas Wedgwood; I accepted it on the presumption
that I had talents, honesty, and propensities to persevering
effort."--_Memoirs of Wordsworth_, vol. i. p. 116.