" Asleep beneath this humble Stone Lies honest, harmlefs, simple
John ; Who free from Guilt, & Care & Strife, Here clos'd his inoffensive Life ; His worth was great, his failings few, He practis'd all the good he knew, And did no harm, his only Sin Was that he lov'd a drop of Gin ; And when his favourite was not near Contented, took his horn of Beer : Tho' weak his head, to make amendes Heav'n gave him health, content & Friends. This little Village Nurs'd and Bred him, And Good Lord Rivers eloath'd & fed him.
T'was there he Liv'd, Carefs'd by all, The favourite of the Servant's Hall, With them he eat his daily Bread -
They lov'd him Living, mourn him; Dead,
And now have kindly Join'd to Raise This little Tombstone to his praise.
Nor fhould the learned and the wise Such humble merit e'er Despise ; Who knows but John may find a place Where wit muft never show it's face.
Farewell John. Grant Heaven that we Harmlefs may live and die like thee.
Jonx Beirum, died April 2nd 1777, Aged 45 Years."
Shelleys, Knockholt, Kent.
Previous page
