[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR, — This epitaph was in
good preservation upon a stone in- the middle aisle of Harberne Church, Staffordshire, when I knew it more than forty years ago. I do not remember the date, but I believe it to have been in the last century. There' is a hard ring about it, but it is the ring of true metal :— " A good husband and father and neighbour too,
Such an one as the world scarce ever knew : What God to Adam did testify, He was resolved his children should come nigh : For pride and pleasure he would not allow, But made them get their bread by the sweat of their brow.
A good wife and mother and neighbour, too, Such an one as the world scarce ever knew : Agreeabler couple could not be, Whatever pleased he, always pleased she ; Everything that a good wife and mother and neighbour should be."
In contrast, let me add another, from a stone in the church- yard of the same parish, set up within my own memory :—
" This turf has drank a widow's tear :
Three of her husbands slumber here."
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