_Strange Epitaphs._-The following combined "bull" and epitaph may amuse
your readers. I copied it in April, 1850, whilst on an excursion to explore
the gigantic tumuli of New Grange, Dowth, &c.
Passing through the village of Monknewtown, about four miles from Drogheda,
I entered a burial-ground surrounding the ivy-clad ruins of a chapel. In
the midst of a group of dozen or more tombstones, some very old, all
bearing the name of "Kelly," was a modern upright slab, well executed,
inscribed,--
"Erected by PATRICK KELLY,
Of the Town of Drogheda, Mariner,
In Memory of his Posterity."
------
"Also the above PATRICK KELLY,
Who departed this Life the 12th August, 1844,
Aged 60 years.
Requiescat in Pace."
I gave a copy of this to a friend residing at Llanbeblig, Carnarvonshire,
who forwarded me the annexed from a tombstone in the parish churchyard
there:
"Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Here lie the Remains of THOMAS CHAMBERS,
Dancing Master;
Whose genteel address and assiduity
in Teaching,
Recommended him to all that had the
Pleasure of his acquaintance.
He died June 13, 1765,
Aged 31."