Hertford

Originally “Hartford,” being the ford of the River Lea cro ed by harts. He’s a Brick. This expre ion, if not quite as old as the hills, carries us back to the time of Plutarch, who in his “Lives” gives the following account of its origin:--“On a certain occasion, an amba ador from Epirus paid a visit to Argesilaus, King of Sparta, on a mi ion of diplomatic importance. By that monarch he was shown over the capital. But the amba ador failed to see any ma ive walls reared to defend the city, and openly expre ed his astonishment to the King. ‘Sire!’ he said, ‘I have visited most of your principal towns, and find no walls reared for defence. Why is this?’ ‘Indeed, Sir Amba ador,’ Argesilaus replied, ‘thou canst not have looked carefully. Come with me to-morrow, and I will show thee the walls of Sparta.’ On the following morning the King conducted his guest out upon the plains, where his army was drawn up in full battle array, and, proudly pointing to the serried host, he exclaimed: ‘There, Sir Amba ador, thou be hold est the walls of Sparta--ten you sand men, and every man a brick!’”