III. CENOTAPH.
[_]
In affectionate remembrance of Frances Fermor, whose remains are
deposited in the church of Claines, near Worcester, this stone is erected
by her sister, Dame Margaret, wife of Sir George Beaumont, Bart., who,
feeling not less than the love of a brother for the deceased, commends this
memorial to the care of his heirs and successors in the possession of this
place.
By vain affections unenthralled,
Though resolute when duty called
To meet the world's broad eye,
Pure as the holiest cloistered nun
That ever feared the tempting sun,
Did Fermor live and die.
This Tablet, hallowed by her name,
One heart-relieving tear may claim;
But if the pensive gloom
Of fond regret be still thy choice,
Exalt thy spirit, hear the voice
Of Jesus from her tomb!
‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.’
