Cambridge.
_Epitaphs imprecatory_ (Vol. vii., p. 256).--I have no doubt that the
churchyards of Scotland will furnish many examples of the embittered
feelings which religious persecution produced, during the latter half of
the seventeenth century; and as a specimen I forward the following, which
is found in the churchyard of Dalgarnock, in Dumfriesshire. The Duke of
York alluded to was afterwards James II.; and the descendants of Mr.
Harkness are still most respectable inhabitants of the parish of Closeburn,
which has been united to Dalgarnock:
"Here Lyes the body of JAMES HARKNESS, in Locherben, who died 6th Dec.
1723, aged 72 years.
"Belo this stone his dust doth ly,
Who indured 28 years
Persecution by tirrany
Did him pursue with echo and cry
Though many a lonesome place,
At last by Clavers he was taen
Sentenced for to dy;
But God, who for his soul took care,
Did him from prison bring,
Because no other Cause they had
But that he ould not give up
With Christ his Glorious King.
And swear allegence to that beast,
The duke of York I mean.
In spite of all there hellish rage
A natural death he died
In full assurance of his rest
With Christ ieternalie."
The following may be given as an example of a punning epitaph. It is found
in St. Anne's churchyard, in the Isle of Man, and is said to have been
written by Sir Wadsworth Busk, who was for many years attorney-general of
the island:
"Here, Friend, is little Daniel's Tomb,
To Joseph's age he did arrive;
Sloth killing thousands in their bloom,
While labour kept poor Dan alive.
Though strange yet true, full seventy years
Was his wife happy in her _Tears_.