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The decorative initial A with a rather sad lion looking as if he is choking on the letter, which is itself adorned with foliate motifs, is a common motif around the 12th century. Given that there are many positive and honourable characteristics that were attributed to lions in the medieval bestiaries, I have no idea why they drew them in such an uncomfortable situation. |
| Note the punctuation marks of a dot, or a dot and slash. Hyphens are present when a word carries from line to line. Capital letters are used sparingly, and not for the first letters of names. The majuscule N in the second letter of annum at the beginning is a decorative rather than grammatical device. | |
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| Suetonius De Vita Caesarum, late 12th century (British Library, Egerton 3055, f.2) All images by permission of the British Library. Images are made available by the British Library under a Creative Commons licence. | |
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