pofed with accustomed rites, it was deposited, with every mark of respect, in a vault, on one fide of the shrine of SAINT BENEDICT, -bedewed with tears of the most heart-felt forrow, dropped from the eyes of all the Sifterhood. When time and reflection had somewhat calmed her affliction, FRANCES failed not to transmit, by the hands of her Confeffor, (her uncle, the ABBOT, having been sometime dead *) her intended offering to the Virgin * This circumstance seems fully to decide the point of JOHN DE SAINT CLAIR being the Аввот, whose family name is loft in all the Chronicles of SAINT AUGUSTIN'S monastery. Mr. BATTELY tells us, that JOHN THE ABBOT died in 1497; L3 and Virgin of BROAD-STAIRS-accompa nied by a donation of twelve masses, to be faid for the repose of ISABELLA'S foul. And foon after, to perpetuate the memory of her Sifter,as well as to direct mariners in their course, that they might escape the sad calamity herself had fo fatally experienced,-she caused a very ancient church, that ftood on a rifing ground just above the village of RECULVER, and which was greatly fallen into decay, to be restored, and much enlarged, -and at one end thereof erected two Towers with lofty Spires upon them, the which she directed should be called and the connexion this story has with the battle of BOSWORTH FIELD, which was fought in 1485, fixes the prefent period to be in fome part of the year 1500. THE 1 THE SISTERS;-and to this day it retains the name, and is a fea-mark. of great utility. In less than seven years, the whole church was completed; which she endowed very liberally, by a grant out of her own fortune; - and ordained, that there should be celebrated one folemn mass, on the first day of every month (the wreck having happened on the first of May); and that a perpetual litany should be fung, for the eternal peace of the departed ISA BELLA. She lived to fee this her Will executed, as well as to bestow many other charitable donations, not only on the convent over which she pre fided, -but on several other religious institutions; and was, from her amis able character, and pious example, be loved, and respected to the last hour of her life. She survived ISABELLA eleven years, and died most sincerely, and deservedly lamented, towards the end of the year 1512. Her Remains, pursuant to her own defire, were depofited by the side of those of her Sister, with all that folemnity due to her high rank and office. A monument was erected near to the place, where they were interred, with their figures kneeling, hand in hand, before a cross, and beneath it, a plate of brass, recording their unshaken friendship. -Faithful, congenial spirits!-in whatsoever world ye reside, peace be your lot!-as virtue was your portion tion here!-Long, long may this memorial of your love remain!-to guide the dubious vessel in its course, and make your names blest by the wanderers of the deep! |