The most accessible, non-internet pictorial representation of the "Seal" or
"Coat of Arms" of England at the time of Jamestown (universally modern-
ized sans "e" unless we're talking about a theme park) is found in the
front matter of all editions of Jester/Hiden/Dorman, ADVENTURERS OF
PURSE AND PERSON.  It is NOT the same as the current "Royal Arms
of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II"--full version with Lion and Unicorn
only used by the sovereign--nor was the James I / 1607 version the same
as seen over the front entrance of the 18th-century Governors Palace in
Williamsburg.

James I's new Stuart Coat of Arms placed Scotland's Lion and Ireland's
Harp in the 2d and 3d quarters, respectively, as in the current seal, but
unlike today's version, the 1st and 4th quarters were themselves quartered,
showing not 3 large lions but 3 smaller lions in sub-quarters 2 & 3 plus
3 smaller French fleurs de lys in the 1st and 4th sub-quarters to reflect old
English claims to France.

The motto "Dieu et mon droit" ("God and my [birth]right") dates from King
Henry V in early 1400s (Agincourt era) and is seen Underneath the seal
of the 18th c Hanoverians, as today.  BUT that was not on the seal of
James I.  In his reign, the pictorial elements were surrounded at the top
and sides with the banner reading:  "Honi soit qui mal y pense" ("Shamed
be he who thinks ill of it")--the motto of the Order of the Garter--which is
still on the "belt" surrounding Elizabeth II's shield today.

By the way, the reason for concern about the lack of a 400th anniversary
conference that focuses on the HISTORY of JAMESTOWN and 17th cent.
VIRGINIA that: (1) is accessible and interesting to the general public--not
just other scholars; and (2) does not view the whole world, early American
literature [as the OIEAHC will put on], or "democracy" today, is that the
lead time for a good conference is usually 12-18 or even 24 months!
You do the math.

More than HOW we commemorate 1607 is the more significant question,
"WHAT specifically will we be 'CELEBRATING'"?  Only planting the flag?
Mere survival?  Or ALL of the legacies, good and bad, pro and con, com-
pletely and honestly analyzed?  You may want to put the kiddies to bed,
because the full story of Jamestown, reflecting more gore than glory, is
always censored or ignored in deference to the squeamish or filiopietistic.

Fred Fausz
St. Louis

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