Gleanings in Graveyards Part 4

Copied from the tombstone of Mr. Samuel Johnson, commonly called Maggoty Johnson, who was interred in a plantation or wood, belonging to the Earl of Harrington, in Gawsworth, near Macclesfield, Ches.h.i.+re.

Under this stone

Rest the remains of Mr. Samuel Johnson, afterwards enn.o.bled with the grander t.i.tle of Lord Flame. Who, after having been in his life distinct from other men by the eccentricities of his genius, chose to retain the same character after his death, and was, at his own desire, buried here, May 5th, 1773, aged 82 yrs.

Stay thou, whom chance directs, or ease persuades To seek the quiet of these Sylvan shades; Here, undisturb'd and hid from vulgar eyes, A Wit, Musician, Poet, player lies; A dancing master, too, in grace he shone, And all the acts of Opera were his own; In comedy well skill'd he drew Lord Flame, Acted the part and gained himself the name.

Averse to strife, how oft he'd gravely say These peaceful groves should shade his breathless clay; That, when he rose again, laid here alone, No friend and he should quarrel for a bone; Thinking, that were some old lame Gossip nigh, She possibly might take his leg or thigh.

PRESBURY.

Beneath this stone lyes Edward Green, Who for cutting stone famous was seen.

But he was sent to apprehend One Joesph Clarke, of Kerredge End, For stealing Deer of Squire Dounes, Where he was shot, and died o'th wounds.

DAVENHAM.

On David Berkenhead.

A tailor by profession, And in the practice, a plain and honest man.

He was a useful member of society; For, though he picked holes in no man's coat, He was ever ready to repair The mischief that others did.

And whatever _breaches_ broke out in _families_, He was the man to mend _all_, And make matters up _again_.

He lived and died respected.

Forty years' service in Lord Penryhn's family, induced Lady Penryhn to bestow this stone to his memory.

CHESTER.

On an Old Woman who sold Pots.

Beneath this stone lies Cath'rine Gray, Changed to a lifeless lump of clay.

By earth and clay she got her pelf, Yet now she's turn'd to Earth herself.

Ye weeping friends, let me advise, Abate your grief, and dry your eyes.

For what avails a flood of tears?

Who knows, but in a run of years, In some tall pitcher or broad pan, She in her shop may be again?

CHESTER.

Periwinks! Periwinkle! was ever her cry, She laboured to live Poor and honest to die; At the last day Again how her old Eyes will twinkle, For no more will she cry, Periwinks! Periwinkle!

Ye Rich, to Virtue's want rejoicing give, Ye Poor, by her Example learn to live.

On a s.e.xton.

Hurra! my brave Boys, let's rejoice at his fall, For if he had lived he had Buried us all.

WESTON.

On a Parish Church.

There lies entomb'd within this vault so dark, A Tailor, cloth draw'r, soldier, and a clerk.

Death s.n.a.t.c.h'd him hence, and also from him took His needle, thimble, sword, and prayer book.

He could not work nor fight, what then?

He left the world, and faintly cry'd-Amen.

ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, CHESTER.

On a swift-footed Man.

Here lies the swift racer; so fam'd for his running, In spite of his boasting, his swiftness and cunning, In leaping o'er hedges, and skipping o'er fields, Death soon overtook him, and tript up his heels.

GAWSWORTH.

Reader, take notice, That on ye 12 Feby 1760, Tho: Corbishley, A brave veteran Dragoon Here went into his quarters.

But remember that when The trumpet calls He'll out and march again.

Cornwall.

TRURO.

A Dyer born, a dyer bred, Lies numbered here among the dead; Dyers, like mortals doomed to die, Alike fit food for worms supply.

Josephus Dyer was his name, By dyeing he acquired fame; 'Twas in his forty-second year, His neighbours kind did him inter.

Josephus Dyer, his first son, Doth also lie beneath this stone; So likewise doth his second boy, Who was his parents' hope and joy.

His handiwork did all admire, For never was a better dyer.