of an opportunity for purchasing it about ten years ago, to prevent its further destruction.
In the church-yard are several monuments to the Davieses, particularly one to Mr. William Davies, the Editor's great-grandfather.
A flat stone, lying on a raised grave, having the arms of Davies, a chevron between three mullets pierced, impaled with the ancient arms of Noye, Azure, three crosses botony in a bend Argent. The more recent arms are, Argent, three bendlets and a canton Sable, on the canton a cross of the Field. There is this inscription round the edge.
Here lieth the body of William Davies, of Bosworgy, in this parish, Gent, who was buried the 28th day of February, in the 54th year of his age, anno 1690.
On the middle of the stone:
Virtus post funera vivit.
Must death divide us now, and close thine eyes?
How shall I live, when thou art gone, to hear
Our children's cries?
Look on, but spare your tears, forbear to weep:
My death's no death—in Christ a blessed sleep.
O blessed Sleep to me! that art both free
From sting of Death, and from Grave's victory!
O, Death, where's now thy sting, or, Grave, thy power?
My soul triumphs in Christ, my Saviour;
Cease, then your tears for me, who am in bliss—
Tho' here intomb'd, my soul in Heaven is.
Be sure always t' observe old David's song,
And never trust that man that did me wrong.
Survivors will be apt to act their part,
And seek all means they can to break thy heart;
But trust in God, and he will thee defend
From all thine enemies: and love thy friend.
Farewell, dear wife and children! Friends, adieu!
Observe those friends whose promises prove true.
I cannot account for this extraordinary epitaph.
