Notes and Queries, Number 24, April 13, 1850. Various

as celebrated, second Duke of Ormonde. Many scraps of traditionary lore relative to the latter nobleman must linger in and about London, where he was the idol of the populace, as well as the leader of what we should now call the "legitimist" party.

      With your leave. I shall therefore propose the following Queries, viz.:—

      1. Who was the author of the anonymous life of the second Duke of Ormonde, published in one volume octavo, some years after his attainder?

      2. Was the ballad, of which the above is a fragment, printed at the time; and if so, does it exist?

      3. What pamphlets, ballads, or fugitive pieces, were issued from the press, or privately printed, on the occasion of the Duke's flight and subsequent attainder?

      4. Does any contemporary writer mention facts or incidents relative to the matter in question, between the period of the accession of George I., and the Duke's final departure from his residence at Richmond?

      5. Does any traditionary or unpublished information on the subject exist in or about London or Richmond.

JAMES GRAVES.

      Kilkenny.

      MAYORS.—WHAT IS THEIR CORRECT PREFIX?

      I wish to ask, of any of your numerous readers, what may be considered the most proper official prefix for Mayors, whether Right Worshipful or Worshipful? Opinions, I find, differ upon the subject. In the Secretary's Guide, 5th ed. p. 95. it is said that Mayors are Right Worshipful; the late Mr. Beltz, Lancaster Herald, was of opinion that they were Worshipful only; and Mr. Dod, the author of a work on Precedence, &c., in answer to an inquiry on the point, thought that Mayors of cities were Right Worshipful, and those of towns were only Worshipful. With due deference, however, I am rather inclined to think that all Mayors, whether of cities, or of towns, ought properly to be styled "the Right Worshipful" for the following reason:—all Magistrates are Worshipful, I believe, although not always in these days so designated, and a mayor being the chief magistrate ought to have the distinctive "Right" appended to his style. And this view of the subject derives some support from the fact of a difference being made with regard to the Aldermen of London (who are all of them magistrates), those who have passed the chair being distinguished as the Right Worshipful, whilst those below the chair are styled the worshipful only; thus showing that the circumstance of being Mayor is considered worthy of an especial distinction. Probably it may be said that custom is the proper guide in a case like this, but I believe that there is no particular custom in some towns, both prefixes being sometimes used, and more frequently none at all. It seems desirable, however, that some rule should be laid down, if possible, by common consent, that it may be understood in future what the appropriate Prefix is. I shall be glad if some of your heraldic or antiquarian readers will give their opinions, and if they know of any authorities, to quote them.