BIB

A COLLECTION

of

Epitaphs

and

Monumental Inscriptions,

The most Illustrious Persons

uf

All Ages and Countries.

BY SILVESTER TISSINGTON.

IF WE ONLY LOVED OUR FRIENDS AS WELL BEFORE
THEY DIE AS WE DO AFTERWARDS,

WHAT A BEATIFIC WORLD THIS WOULD BE FOR SOFTENING
THE HEART, AN HOUR'S STROLL IN A GRAVEYARD

IS WORTH ALL THE

SERMONS THAT WERE EVER PREACHED."

LONDON:

SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, & Co., STATIONERS' HALL COURT; KEENE, DERBY; PIPER, IPSWICH;

AND BY ORDER THROUGH EVERY BOOKSELLER.

1857.

280. p. 72.

IPSWICH:

ALFRED PIPER, PRINTER, ST. NICHOLAS PLACE.

ΤΟ

THE REV. JOSH. BOSWORTH, D.D., F.R.S., &c.,

THIS VOLUME IS DEDICATED,

WITH THE GREATEST RESPECT

OF

SILVESTER TISSINGTON.

Entered at Stationers' Ball.

PREFACE.

"To define an Epitaph," says Dr. Johnson, "is useless; every one knows that it is an inscription on a tomb." It is from the Greek ἐπὶ upon, τάφος a tomb. "An epitaph, therefore, implies no particular character of writing, but may be composed in verse or prose. It has no rule to restrain or modify it, except this, that it ought not to be longer than common beholders may be expected to have leisure and patience to peruse."

Epitaphs are often very striking and affecting. In a few sentences, the characters and best qualities of the most renowned are brought vividly before us, and make an impression which is not easily effaced. The compiler of the present work has been exceedingly interested for many years in collecting the memorials of persons whose lives have been the most distinguished in the annals of fame, and thinking his publication might not be uninteresting, he has ventured to consign it to the candour of the public, trusting that it contains nothing which could displease the most susceptible or delicate minds.