17 JUNE 1899, Page 16

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR —" J. D."

asks who composed Burton's epitaph. But was it not Burton himself ? None seem to have plagiarised Gray. 31;ght we not write?—

Known little. less unknown, Here shunbereth Who was to us Democritus : In life, in death,

Did Melancholy mark him for her own.

May I add one more ?—

.'ew knew him, fewer knew him not,— Detrutcritus, that in this spot

Tearless doth lie :— By her that wrought her lover's death New-dowered with undying breath,— Despondency.

Whittlesford Vicarage, Cambridge, June 10th.