It is amazing what one finds in churchyards. This reader was so struck by two quirky epitaphs, that he asked the Mercury to publish them.
“To the PRINTERS of the STAMFORD, &c. MERCURY.
SIRS,
As passing through Elton church-yard lately, I saw the two following epitaphs, which I copied as to letters, words, and lines, which by inserting in your Mercury, you’ll oblige,
A CONSTANT READER.
Wansford, Dec. 28, 1789.
Aflicted Sorre Long i Boar fishans *
Trid in Vain But Now i Gon to
Endless Rest Christs Favour to
Obtain and We Hope our
Los Will Be Hur Gain.
Life Is a fable and things Show
It I Thort Sow Wonce But Now
I Now It.” #
Stamford Mercury 8th January, 1790.
*It is unclear what this word is. We wonder if it is a corruption of ‘visions’. Readers, please let us know if you can enlighten us!
#Similar to John Gaye’s ‘My Own Epitaph’ (1732): “Life is a jest; and all things show it. I thought so once; and now I know it”