Poems and other Pieces :: :: University of Virginia Library

EPITAPH .

Passenger,
To be the first in informing you
that over these ashes
No tear was ever shed, and that for many
years,
This turf has wanted a signature,
Is a silent satisfaction to the anonymous writer
of this testimony.
For a moment let oblivion withhold
her exultation:
with sorrow and sincerity,
This plain stone is inscribed (by one whom
he never saw)
To the memory of the Reverend
Peter Elkinton,
a man
Of much genius, and many virtues,
Whose lot it was in this world
To live in neglect without a comfort,
And to die in solitude without a friend.
Great God!
Are not these things noted in thy book!

When the above Epitaph was written, the author was unacquainted with the many acts of friendship which Mr. Elkinton received from the Rev. R. Parr, of Norwich.