On a person named Cave, at Barrow-on-Soar, Leicestershire, we have the following epitaph:--
Here, in this Grave, there lies a Cave. We call a Cave a Grave: If Cave be Grave, and Grave be Cave, Then, reader, judge, I crave. Whether doth Cave here lie in Grave, Or Grave here lie in Cave; If Grave in Cave here buried lie, Then Grave, where is thy victory? Go reader, and report, here lies a Cave, Who conquers Death, and buries his own Grave.
In Bletchley, ob. 1615, on Mrs. Rose Sparke:--
Sixty-eight years a fragrant Rose she lasted, Noe vile reproach her virtues ever blasted; Her autumn past expects a glorious springe, A second better life more flourishing.
Hearken unto me, ye holy children, and bud forth as a Rose.--Eccles. xxxix., 13.
From several punning epitaphs on the name of Rose we give one more specimen. It is from Tawton Church, ob. 1652, on Rose Dart:--
A Rose springing Branch no sooner bloom'd, By Death's impartial Dart lyes here entombed. Tho' wither'd be the Bud, the stock relyes On Christ, both sure by Faith and Hope to rise.
In Barnstaple Church, ob. 1627, on Grace Medford, is an epitaph as follows:--
Scarce seven years old this Grace in glory ends, Nature condemns, but Grace the change commends; For Gracious children, tho' they die at seven, Are heirs-apparent to the Court of Heaven. Then grudge not nature at so short a Race; Tho' short, yet sweet, for surely 'twas God's Grace.
On a punster the following was written:--
Beneath the gravel and these stones, Lies poor JACK TIFFEY'S skin and bones; His flesh I oft have heard him say, He hoped in time would make good hay; Quoth I, "How can that come to pass?" And he replied, "All flesh is grass!"
Several of the churchyards in the Isle of Man contain monuments of more than local interest, and will repay a careful inspection. The ancient graveyard of Kirk Braddan, surrounded with beautiful trees, and situated in a secluded spot not far distant from the busy town of Douglas, is the most celebrated. It not only contains numerous modern tombstones of unusual interest, but some Runic monuments of importance which have given rise to some strange stories, and suggested a theme for the poet and a study for the antiquary.
An old time-worn stone near the chief door of the church attracts much attention. It states:--