10 JUNE 1899, Page 14

THE LAPIDARY STYLE.

[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."'

SIR,—In the Spectator of June 3rd " Olim Harroviensis" suggests to an old friend of mine that he should try his hand at rendering into English Burton's famous epitaph on himself in the Cathedral of Christ Church. He justly pronounces the task impossible, but perhaps he will tolerate with indulgence a very inadequate attempt on the part of an old schoolfellow.

"Panda notu8 pauciorlbna 'gnat= hie Jacet Democritus Junior col vitam dedit et mortem melancolla."

More than a name to few, by none unnamed, Here rests a Sage .abdera might have claimed : In life, in death—he kved for Her alone— Pale " Idzirziomoix marked him fix her owe.*