23 AUGUST 1884, Page 16

[To THE EDITOR OF TRH "SPECTATOR."] SIR, — The following punning epitaph

on the name of " Clay " is written, or rather painted, on a board affixed to the north wall of the chancel in Crich Church, Derbyshire ; the date, which is not given, is probably the end of the sixteenth or

beginning of the seventeenth century. There is in the same church another interesting epitaph ott a handsome tomb erected in 1603 to the memory of John Clay, of Crich, and his family,. but it is too long for insertion :—

" Soules they are made of heavenly Spirit,

From whence they come ye heavens inherit, Did kuowe that bodyes made of Clay Deathe will devoure by night or day ; Yett is bee as bee was, I say, Hee livynge and dead remayneth claye His verye name that nature gave, Is nowe as shal be in his grave.

Tymes doth teache, experience tryes That claye to dust the winde updryes ; Then this a wonder compt wee must, That want of winde should make claye dust."