30 AUGUST 1884, Page 16

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."]

SIR,—The following epitaph was copied by me nearly thirty years ago in the churchyard of the village of Brauuton, North Devon

" To ye memory of * * * (name illegible), Baptised in the year 1627; buried, 1694; Owner of ye Manor of Braunton.

Virginity was had in reputation, And wont to be observed with veneration ; Above 'tis still so, single life is led, In Heaven none marry nor are married, But live angelick lives, and virgins crown'd, All with their coroners ye Lamb surround.

This maiden Landlady has one obtained, Who, tho' much sought in marriage, still refrained, And now ye inheritance undefiled obtained."

It is probably illegible now.—I am, Sir, &c., C. S.