[3] Stokes (M.), 90.


By good hap, several cumdachs of the greatest interest
are still preserved for our inspection. One of them, the
Silver Shrine of the so-called St. Patrick's Gospels, is a
very peculiar case. It consists of three covers. The first
or inner, is of yew, and was perhaps made in the sixth or
seventh century. The second, of copper, silver-plated, is
of later make. The third, or outermost, is of silver, and
was probably made in the fourteenth century. The
cumdach of the Stowe Missal (1023) is a much more
beautiful example. It is of oak, covered with plates of
silver. The lower or more ancient side bears a cross
within a rectangular frame. In the centre of the cross is a
crystal set in an oval mount. The decoration of the four
panels consists of metal plates, the ornament being a
chequer-work of squares and triangles. The lid has a
similar cross and frame, but the cross is set with pearls and
metal bosses, a crystal in the centre, and a large jewel at
the end of each arm. The panels consist of silver-gilt
plates embellished with figures of saints. The sides, which
are decorated with enamelled bosses and open-work designs,
are imperfect. On the box are inscriptions in Irish, such
as the following: "Pray for Dunchad, descendant of Taccan,
of the family of Cluain, who made this"; "A blessing of
God on every soul according to its merit"; "Pray for
Donchadh, son of Brian, for the king of Ireland"; "And
for Macc Raith, descendant of Donnchad, for the king of