[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—If not too long
for your columns, the following epitaph (I believe unpublished in any generally accessible form), in Bromfield Church, Suffolk, will interest students of " style :"— " Between the rema:ns of her brother Edward
And of her husband Arthur, Here lies the body of Bridgett Applewhaite.
Once Bridgett Nelson.
After the fatigues of a married life, Borne by her with incredible patience For four years and three-quarters, bating three weeks, And after the enjoyment of the glorious freedom
Of an easy and unblemished widowhood,
For four years and upwards She resolved to run the risk of a second marriage-bed ; But death forbade the banns : And having with an apoplectic dart (The same instrument with which he had formerly Dispatched her mother) Touch't the most vital part of her brain, She must have fallen directly to the ground (As one thunder-strook), If she had not been catch't and supported by her intended husband.
Of which invisible bruise, After a struggle for above sixty hours With that grand enemy to life (Bat the certain and merciful friend to helpless old age), In terrible convulsions, plaintive groans, or stupefying sleep,
• Without recovery of speech or senses, She died on the 12th day of Sept. in the year of our Lord 1737, And of her own age 44."
—I am, Sir, Ste.,
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