The bottom of the press proper is used as a shelf, on which lie a volume and two objects, one of which probably represents a case for pens, while the other is certainly an Inkhorn.
"The Care of Books"
John Willis Clark
Then Evangeline lighted the brazen lamp on the table, Filled, till it overflowed, the pewter tankard with home-brewed Nut-brown ale, that was famed for its strength in the village of Grand-Pre; While from his pocket the notary drew his papers and Inkhorn, Wrote with a steady hand the date and the age of the parties, Naming the dower of the bride in flocks of sheep and in cattle.
"The Complete Poetical Works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow"
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Serve yourself, would you be well served, is an excellent adage; So I take care of my arms, as you of your pens and your Inkhorn.
"The Complete Poetical Works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow"
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow