Upon the
capital, or top of the stone, a small space above the sculpture of the
altar itself, is a crater or flowing bowl,[4] sacred to Bacchus, the god of
wine; on the dexter, or right side of the altar, is a flower-pot, or
cornucopiae, with five branches in it, loaded with leaves and fruit, sacred
to Ceres, or Terra-Mater, the goddess of plants; and on the sinister, or
left side thereof, is a large jug or pitcher with a large handle, also
sacred to Bacchus. It is about 2 feet 6-1/2 inches in height, and 1 foot in
breadth at the base. The corporation employed a Mr. Richard John Tetlow, of
Ferrybridge, a celebrated antiquary, to interpret the inscription, and give
them his opinion on its age. They also sent it to the Antiquarian Society
in London for inspection.
[4] If not a flowing bowl, then it is the shield of Diana.
_Interpretation of the Society._
Matribus magnis,[5] Nantonius[6] Orberthol, vota solvit lubens merito.
[5] Juno and Diana.
[6] For Antoninus, in the year of Christ 161. Antoninus Philosophus
was the Roman emperor, and succeeded Antoninus Pius, according to
Dr. Littleton.
_Translation._
To the great mothers, (goddesses,) Anthony Orberthol willingly and
meritoriously has performed his vows or promises.
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