PREFACE. press sentiments that are calculated to make a useful impression on the heart, and dispose the mind to ponder on the brevity of life, on the imperfections and unsatisfactory nature of our enjoyments, and on the instability of all earthly possessions. They tell us, that “Though we wade in wealth or soar in fame, Earth's highest station ends in-Here he lies!" As I have endeavoured to make it a useful and instructive collection, I am not without hopes that its general merit, is such as, will secure it a favourable reception from the public, and dispose the reader to consider the time usefully spent in its perusal. Hall-Side, Kirklinton, Į August 1, 1821. S Epitaphs, &c. WESTMINSTER ABBEY. ON WILLIAM SHAKSPEARE. THE cloud capp'd towers, the gorgeous palaces, The solemn temples, the great globe itself, Yea, and all which it inherits, shall dissolve, And like the baseless fabric of a vision Leave not a wreck behind. JAMES THOMSON, Etatis 48, obit 27, August, 1748. Tutor'd by thee, sweet poetry, exalts her voice to Ages, and informs the page, with music, image, Sentiment, and thought, never to die! This Monument was erected in 1762. B JOHN SHEFFIELD, DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM, Died Feb. 24, 1720, in the 74th year of his age. I liv'd doubtful, not dissolute, Ignorance and error are incident to human nature. TO THE MEMORY OF NICHOLAS ROWE, Esq. Who died in 1718, aged 45; And of Charlotte, his only Daughter, wife of Henry Fane, Esq. who inherited her father's spirit, and amiable in her own innocence and beauty, died in the 23d year of her age, 1739. Thy reliques Rowe! to this sad shrine we trust, To these so mourn'd in death, so lov'd in life, Mr. Rowe was Poet Laureat and author of several fine Tragedies. JOHN GAY, Died December 4, 1732, aged 45. The short Epitaph on the front was written by himself. Life is a jest, and all things show it: Underneath are these verses by Mr. POPE- Of manners gentle, of affections mild, With native humour tempering virtuous rage, And uncorrupted e'en among the great: TO THE MEMORY OF MARY HOPE, Who died at Brook-Hall, In the County of Northampton, On the 25th of June, 1767, Aged 25 years, And whose remains lie in the neighbouring church at Norton; this stone, an unavailing tribute of affection, is by her husband erected and inscribed. She was the only daughter of Eliab Breton, of Torty-Hall, Middlesex, Esq. and was married to John Hope, of London, Merchant, to whom she left three infant sons, Charles, John, and William. Tho' low on earth, her beauteous form decay'd, No pompous tomb inscrib'd with venal praise. To statesmen, warriors, and to kings belong The trophy'd sculpture and the poet's song; And these the proud expiring often claim, Their wealth, bequeathing to record their name. But humble virtue, stealing to the dust, Heeds not our lays, or monumental bust. To name her virtues ill befits my grief; What was my bliss can now give no relief; A husband mourns-the rest let friendship tell; Fame spread her worth--a husband knew it well. |