6 "It is not without a deep myſtical meaning that theſe ſtones are ſelected by the poet.
"The twelve foundation ſtones of the Apocalypſe gave riſe, as might be expected, to an infinite variety of myſtical interpretations. 'Jaſper,' ſays the comment of Marbodus, 'is the firſt foundation of the Church of God, and is of a green color.' 'It ſignifies thoſe who always hold the Faith of God and never depart from it, or wither, but are always flouriſhing therein, and fear not the aſſaults of the devil.' 'The emerald is exceeding green, ſurpaſſing all gems and herbs in greenneſs.' 'By the emerald we underſtand thoſe who excel others in the vigor of their faith, and dwell among infidels who be frigid and arid in their love.' 'The ſardius, which is wholly red, ſignifies the martyrs who pour forth their blood for Christ.' 'The topaz is rare, and therefore precious. It has two colors, one like gold, the other clearer. In clearneſs it ſurpaſſes all gems, and nothing is more beautiful. It ſignifies thoſe who love God and their neighbor.' 'The amethyſt is entirely red, and ſhoots out roſy flames. Its color ſignifies earthly ſuffering; its emiſſions, prayers for thoſe that cauſe it.'"—Mediæval Hymns. 2d Edition.
7 Theſe ſtanzas are evidently conſidered by Dr. Neale his beſt. See page 37. In deference to that opinion, they are given here in the form in which they appear in the laſt edition of Mediæval Hymns.
8 "Decachord, with reference to the myſtical explanation, which, ſeeing in the number ten a type of perfection, underſtands the 'inſtrument of ten firings' of the perfect harmony of heaven."
9 "I have been ſo often aſked to what tune the words of Bernard may be ſung, that I may here mention that of Mr. Ewing, the earlieſt written, the beſt known, and with children the moſt
