Historical Description of Westminster Abbey Part 13
On the right of the West door, in the middle of a pyramid, is a large medallion of bra.s.s, resting on a cherub below, and suspended by another at the top. Round the medal is a Latin inscription, thus translated:--"JOHN CONDUIT, Master of the Mint." This gentleman succeeded his relation, the great Sir Isaac Newton, in that office, and desired to be buried near him, as appears by a long Latin inscription on the base. Died May 23, 1737, aged forty-nine. Catherine, his wife, died Jan. 20, 1739, aged fifty-nine, and lies interred in the same tomb.--_Cheere, sculptor._
A stone arch has been turned over the west door, on which is erected a monument, voted by Parliament to the memory of the Right Hon. WILLIAM PITT. This ill.u.s.trious statesman is represented habited in the robes of Chancellor of the Exchequer. To the right of the base of the statue, is History recording his speeches, whilst Anarchy, on the left, lies subdued, and writhing in chains at his feet. The Statues composing this group are nine feet in height. Inscription:--"This monument is erected by Parliament to William Pitt, son of William Earl of Chatham, in testimony of grat.i.tude for the eminent public services, and of regret for the irreparable loss of that great and disinterested Minister. He died Jan. 23, 1806, in the forty-seventh year of his age."--_Sir Richard Westmacott, R.A., sculptor._
On the left is a lofty pyramid of a bluish coloured marble, to the memory of Sir THOMAS HARDY, Knt., whose effigy is reclining upon a tomb of elegant workmanship, with a naked boy on his left side weeping over an urn. The inscription, a little history of the deceased's life, is here copied:--"Sir Thomas Hardy, to whose memory this monument was erected, was bred in the Royal Navy from his youth, and was made a Captain in 1693. In the expedition to Cadiz, under Sir George Rook, he commanded the Pembroke; and when the fleet left the coast of Spain to return to England, he was ordered to Lagos Bay, where he got intelligence of the Spanish galleons being arrived in the harbour of Vigo, under convoy of seventeen French men-of-war. By his great diligence and judgment he joined the English fleet, and gave the Admiral that intelligence which engaged him to make the best of his way to Vigo, where all the aforementioned galleons and men-of-war were either taken or destroyed. After the success of that action, the Admiral sent him with an account of it to the Queen, who ordered him a considerable present, and knighted him. Some years afterwards he was made a Rear-Admiral, and received several other marks of favour and esteem from her Majesty, and from her Royal Consort, Prince George of Denmark, Lord High Admiral of England. He died August 16, 1732, aged sixty-seven."--_Cheere, sculptor._
Captain JAMES CORNEWALL.--This n.o.ble monument, which is thirty-six feet high, has a large base and pyramid of rich Sicilian marble. Against the pyramid is a rock (embellished with naval trophies, sea weeds, &c.) in which are two cavities; in the one is a Latin epitaph; in the other, a view of the sea-fight before Toulon, in bas-relief, on the foreground whereof the Marlborough, of ninety guns, is seen fiercely engaged with Admiral Navarre's ship, the Real, of one hundred and fourteen guns, and her two seconds, all raking the Marlborough fore and aft. On the rock stand two figures; the one represents Britannia, under the character of Minerva, accompanied with a lion: the other figure is expressive of Fame, who, having presented to Minerva a medallion of the hero, supports it whilst exhibited to public view. The medallion is accompanied with a globe and various honorary crowns as due to valour. Behind the figure is a lofty spreading palm-tree (whereon is fixed the hero's shield or coat of arms), together with a laurel-tree, both which issue from the naturally barren rock, as alluding to some heroic and uncommon event. The inscription:--"Amongst the monuments of ancient merit in this sacred Cathedral, let the name of James Cornewall be preserved, the third son of Henry Cornewall, of Bradwarden Castle, in the County of Hereford, Esq., who, from the very old and ill.u.s.trious stock of the Plantagenets, deriving a truly ancient spirit, became a naval commander of the first eminence; equally and deservedly honoured by the tears and applause of Britons, as a man who bravely defended the cause of his country in that sea-fight off Toulon, and being by a chain-shot deprived of both his legs at a blow, fell unconquered, on the 3rd of February, 1743, in the forty-fifth year of his age, bequeathing his animated example to his fellow sailors as a legacy of a dying Englishman, whose extraordinary valour could not be recommended to the emulation of posterity in a more ample eulogy, than by so singular an instance of honour; since the Parliament of Great Britain, by an unanimous suffrage, resolved that a monument, at the public expense, should be consecrated to the memory of this most heroical person."--_Tayler, sculptor._
South Aisle.
At the back of Cornewall's, is the monument to the Right Honourable JAMES CRAGGS, who was made Secretary at War in April, 1717, and one of his Majesty's Privy Council and Secretary of State, in March, 1718. The statue of this gentleman, large as the life, is finely represented as leaning on an urn, which has upon it in golden characters, an inscription, showing that he was princ.i.p.al Secretary of State, and a man _universally beloved_, which is there particularly marked, because, as he was of low extraction, being only a shoemaker's son, it is the more admirable, that in the high station to which his merit had raised him, he should escape envy, and acquire the general esteem. He died February 16, 1720, aged thirty-five.
Upon the base of the monument is this epitaph, written by Mr. Pope:--
"Statesman, yet friend to truth, of soul sincere, In action faithful, and in honour clear!
Who broke no promise, serv'd no private end, Who gained no t.i.tle, and who lost no friend.
Enn.o.bled by himself, by all approv'd, Prais'd, wept, and honour'd, by the muse he lov'd."
--_Signor Guelphi, sculptor._
A statue of WILLIAM WORDSWORTH, placed here by the friends and admirers of the late Poet. Mr. Wordsworth was born at c.o.c.kermouth, in c.u.mberland, on April 7, 1770, and died at Rydal Mount, Ambleside, Westmoreland, on April 23, 1850. The statue is much admired; and the meditative att.i.tude in which the Poet is represented, and the quiet and sacred spot in which it is placed, apart from the crowd, and in a peaceful retirement of its own, harmonize with and are expressive of, the tranquil tenour of his life, and the thoughtful, sublime, and philosophic character of his works.
Next to this is a bust of KEBLE, by T. Woolner. It occupies the middle of the three arcades on the west side of the South Tower, and adjoins the monument of Wordsworth. It has a pedestal of alabaster containing a black marble inscription panel, on either side of which is a green marble pillar, between the carved capitals of which is seated a vesica-shaped panel of alabaster, richly moulded, carved, and studded with gems of blue fluor-spar within ovals of gilt beads. Above this is placed a Calvary cross of alabaster with gemmed and inlaid arms and trefoiled ends. The internal part of the vesica panel is occupied with the white marble bust, life size, placed on an enriched corbel of alabaster, on which corbel are inclined pillars which support a trefoiled and gabled canopy overhanging the bust. The total height of the work is nine feet, and its width three feet.
A small tablet to HENRY WHARTON, remarkable only by the great name inscribed upon it, who was Rector of Chartham, in Kent; Vicar of the Church of Minster, in the Isle of Thanet; Librarian to Archbishop Sancroft, and one of the most voluminous writers of his years, perhaps, in the world. He died March 3, 1694, aged only thirty-one, and was an universally respected by the Bishops and clergy, that Archbishop Tillotson, and several other Prelates, with a vast body of clergy, the choir and King's scholars, all in solemn procession, attended his funeral, and joined in the anthems composed on this occasion by the great Purcell.
Above this tablet of Wharton is a gallery, used by the Royal Family to see the procession of the Knights of the Bath: they enter at Poets' Corner door, and proceed round the West end, and up the North Aisle, into Henry VII.'s Chapel, where the installation takes place.
In an oval frame is a half-length marble portrait of WILLIAM CONGREVE, Esq., placed on a pedestal of the finest Egyptian marble, and enriched with emblematical figures alluding to the drama. Underneath is this inscription in English:--"Mr. William Congreve, died January 19, 1728, aged fifty-six, and was buried near this place, to whose most valuable memory this monument is set up by Henrietta, d.u.c.h.ess of Marlborough, as a mark how dearly she remembers the happiness she enjoyed in the sincere friendship of so worthy and honest a man, whose virtue, candour, and wit, gained him the love and esteem of the present age, and whose writings will be the admiration of the future."--_Bird, sculptor._
A bust of JOHN FRIEND, M.D., on a pedestal of fine white veined marble; and beneath is a long Latin inscription, setting forth his great and distinguished acquirements. He was a physician of the first rank for knowledge and experience; was no less successful in his practice than ingenious in his writings. He was first educated at Westminster School, and afterwards at Christ Church College, Oxford, where his learning soon made him conspicuous. On his leaving the University, and adopting the profession of physic, he was chosen a member of the College of Physicians in London, and soon after a Fellow of the Royal Society. His writings are lasting monuments of his extensive genius. He died July 26, 1728.--_Rysbrack, sculptor._
Sir LUMLEY ROBINSON, Baronet.--This monument is neatly designed and ornamented; the columns are supported by Death's heads, and the arms upon the base by a cherub. On the top was a vase, and, rising to the pediments, enrichments of laurel branches, &c. The inscription has nothing remarkable. He was of Kentwall Hall, in Suffolk, and died August 6, 1684, aged thirty-six.--_Settie, sculptor._
THOMAS SPRAT, D.D.--This monument seems to have been designed princ.i.p.ally for the sake of the inscriptions, which are in Latin. Underneath are the arms of the deceased, and on the top his arms, with those of the see of Rochester, quarterly, between enrichments of books, &c. The first inscription informs you,--"That Dr. Sprat was the son of a clergyman in Dorsetshire; and that he was educated at Wadham College, Oxford; that he first applied himself to poetry, but quitted that study to pursue the beauties of prose, and polish the English language; that he was early made known to George, Duke of Buckingham, and by him recommended to Charles I., who made him a Prebendary of Westminster, and of Windsor; from which preferments he soon rose to be Dean of Westminster, and Bishop of Rochester; but at length, from his firm integrity to the Church and Monarchy, was brought in danger of his life. He died in 1713, aged seventy-seven." The second inscription shows--"That the remains of THOMAS SPRAT, A.M. (son of the Bishop), Archdeacon of Rochester, and Prebendary of the Churches of Rochester, Winchester, and Westminster, lie near those of his father. He died May 10, 1720, aged forty-one." The third inscription imports--"That John Friend, M.D., to show his respect for those two worthy personages, had caused this monument to be erected jointly to their memories."--_Bird, sculptor._
Dr. JOSEPH WILLc.o.c.kS.--Two angels holding a scroll, mitre, collegiate cap, &c., bas-relief, exterior view of Westminster Abbey. On each side are two beautiful figures of Faith and Hope. This Rev. Prelate was Chaplain to the British Factory at Lisbon, afterwards Preceptor to the Princess, and Prebendary of this Church; in 1721, consecrated Lord Bishop of Gloucester; in 1721, translated to Rochester, also made Dean of this Church, and of the most Honourable Order of the Bath. He died March 9, 1756, aged eighty-three, and is buried in a vault in the Ecclesiastical Court, with his wife Jane, daughter of John Milner, Esq., Consul at Lisbon. She died March 27, 1725, aged twenty-eight; with Ann, their daughter, who died in her infancy.--_Cheere, sculptor._
Above is a curious monument, sacred to the memory of RICHARD TYRRELL, Esq., who was descended from an ancient family of Ireland, and died Rear-Admiral of the White, 26th June, 1766. Devoted from his youth to the naval service of his country, and being formed under the discipline, and animated by the example of his renowned uncle, Sir Peter Warren, he distinguished himself as an able and experienced officer in many gallant actions, particularly on the 20th of November, 1758, when commanding the Buckingham, of sixty-six guns, and one hundred and seventy-five men, he attacked and defeated three French ships of war; one of them was the Florin, of seventy-four guns, and seven hundred men; but the Buckingham being too much disabled to take possession of her, after she had struck, the enemy, under cover of the night, escaped; during the action he received several wounds, and lost three fingers of his right hand. Dying on his return to England from the Leeward Islands, where he had for three years commanded a squadron of his Majesty's ships, his body was, by his own desire, committed to the sea, with the proper honours and ceremonies.
On a piece of rock--"_The sea shall give up her dead, and every one shall be rewarded according to his works._" The figures History, Navigation, and Hibernia, are well cut; they are represented among the rocks, with the sea above their heads, the Admiral himself ascending amidst heavy clouds.--_Nathaniel Read, sculptor._
On a pedestal stands the bust of Dr. ZACHARY PEARCE. The features bear a striking resemblance to those of the original. On each side are the ensigns of his prelatical dignities; and underneath is a Latin inscription, of which the following is a translation:--"Sacred to the memory of the most Reverend Zachary Pearce, S.T.P., Bishop of Rochester, Dean of this Church, and of the most Honourable Order of the Bath. The seeds of learning, which were early sown at Westminster School, he cultivated to maturity at Cambridge: how rich the produce, both as a critic and divine, his works, already printed and published, will abundantly show. At length, growing fond of retirement, and earnestly desirous of leisure for elucidating the Scriptures, he resigned the Deanery of Westminster, as he wished to have done that of his Bishop.r.i.c.k, could it have been permitted. Having lived to finish what was the wish of his heart,--his Commentary on the Holy Evangelists and the Acts of the Apostles,--he rested from his labours, June 29, 1774, aged eighty-four."--_Tyler, sculptor._
"In memory of the Very Rev. WILLIAM BUCKLAND, D.D., F.R.S., Dean of Westminster, and of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, formerly Canon of Christ Church, Oxford, Trustee of the British Museum, First Professor of Geology and Mineralogy in the University of Oxford; founder of the Museum of Geology, which he bequeathed to that University. Endued with superior intellect, he applied the powers of his mind to the honour and glory of G.o.d, the advancement of science, and the welfare of mankind. Born March 12, 1784; died August 14, 1856, aged seventy-two. 'For the Lord giveth wisdom, out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.'--_Prov._ xi. ver. 6. Erected by his children."--_H.
Weekes, A.R.A., sculptor_, 1859.
The next is a bust, highly finished, and emblems of sacred offices. The Latin inscription is to the following purport:--"Sacred to the memory of the Reverend JOHN THOMAS, LL.D., Bishop of Rochester, Dean of this Collegiate Church, and of the most Honourable Order of the Bath. Having pa.s.sed through the school at Carlisle with reputation, he proceeded to Oxford, to gather a more abundant harvest of knowledge, where he became both the ornament and patron of genius, good morals, and of polite, as well as of profound learning. With increasing fame everywhere spreading itself, he did honour to dignities by his merit, improved riches by bestowing them, presided over the Church with wisdom, defended it by his authority, regulated it by his example; ever active in duties, and unwearied in attentions, added to the strictest economy; till, after a well-spent life, himself exhausted, but not his patience, by a long and painful illness, he resigned his soul to G.o.d, August 20, 1793, aged eighty-one years. His nephew, G.A.T., A.M., to whose lot it fell to perform it, offers this unavailing tribute, as a testimony, though small, of Duty and Affection."--_Bust by Nollekens._
KATHARINE BOVEY.--The princ.i.p.al figures here are Faith, with her book closed, and Wisdom, lamenting the death of her patroness; between which is a lady's head in an amulet of black marble, curiously veined. Over it is an English inscription, giving a character of the deceased, who died January 21, 1727, in the fifty-seventh year of her age. Mrs. Mary Pope, who lived with her near forty years in perfect friendship, erected this monument to her memory.--_Gibbs, sculptor._
Lord Viscount HOWE.--The emblematic representation on this monument is a figure of the Genius of the Province of Ma.s.sachuset's Bay, in a mournful posture, lamenting the fall of this hero, and the family arms, ornamented with military trophies. Beneath is the following inscription, in large characters:--"The Province of Ma.s.sachuset's Bay, in New England, by an order of the Great and General Court, bearing date February 1, 1759, caused this monument to be erected to the memory of George, Lord Viscount Howe, Brigadier-General of his Majesty's Forces in North America, who was slain, July 6, 1758, on the march of Ticonderoga, in the thirty-fourth year of his age; in testimony of the sense they had of his services and military virtues, and of the affection their officers and soldiers bore to his command." He lived respected and beloved: the public regretted his loss: to his family it is irreparable.
Beneath is a bust to the memory of JOHN IRELAND, D.D.--The Latin inscription sets forth, that he was a native of Ashburton, Devon. Having pursued his studies at Oriel College, in the University of Oxford, he was, in 1802, enrolled amongst the Prebendaries of this Church; and afterwards, in 1816, raised to the Deanery of the same. Deeply sensible of the benefits that were divinely showered upon him in early life, he sought in after years to prove that he was not unmindful of them. Whilst still among the living, he annually gave liberal prizes for the encouragement of youthful studies, both at Oxford and in the Royal School at Westminster.
He also, by his last will, bequeathed a munificent pecuniary legacy, partly to endow a Professorship of Theology at Oxford, partly towards the support of needy students of Oriel College, and partly that some a.s.sistance might be furnished for rightly educating his townsmen of Ashburton. He died September 2, 1842, aged eighty.--_Turnouth, sculptor._
A neat tablet erected to the memory of Dr. ROBERT CANNON, Dean of Lincoln, and Prebendary of this Church, who died March 28, 1722, aged fifty-nine.
Over the West Cloisters door is a most stately monument to the memory of General GEORGE WADE. In the centre is a beautiful marble pillar, enriched with military trophies highly finished. The princ.i.p.al figures represent Fame preventing Time from defacing his military honours. The whole is finely executed, and cannot be too much admired. The General's head is in a medallion; and the inscription runs thus:--"To the memory of George Wade, Field Marshal of his Majesty's Forces, Lieutenant-General of the Ordnance, Colonel of his Majesty's Third Regiment of Dragoon Guards, Governor of Fort William, Fort Augustus, and Fort George, and one of his Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council. He died March 14, 1748, aged seventy-five."--_Roubiliac, sculptor._
A monument of General Sir JAMES OUTRAM, with the following inscription:--"To the memory of Lieutenant-General Sir James Outram, G.C.B., K.S.I., &c., a soldier of the East India Company, who, during a service of 40 years in war and in council, by deeds of bravery and devotion, by an unselfish life, by benevolence, never weary of well-doing, sustained the honour of the British nation, won the love of his comrades, and promoted the happiness of the people of India. This monument is erected by the Secretary of State for India in Council. Born January 29, 1803; died March 11, 1863. Interred in this Abbey at the public cost, March 25, 1863." Under the bust is represented in high relief an exquisite sculpture of Lord Clyde and Outram shaking hands, with General Havelock between them and other figures in the background; and on each side two figures of the Scinde and Bihil tribes, lamenting the death of their "great friend."--_n.o.ble, sculp._
CHARLES HERRIES, Esq., Colonel of the Light Horse Volunteers of London and Westminster, died April 3, 1819, in the seventy-fourth year of his age. So much was he respected, that the regiment followed him to the grave with filial reverence; and as a lasting tribute of honour to his memory, raised this record at his virtues and their affection. The monument consists of a bust, a strong resemblance; on the base is represented a female, seated on bales, as the city of London, over whom a warrior is holding a shield; by him stands his horse, which he seems ready to mount for defence.--_Chantrey, sculptor._
CAROLA HARSNET.--This tomb has two learned inscriptions upon it, one in Hebrew, the other in Greek; and was erected to the memory of the wife of Sir Samuel Morland, Baronet, who died in child-bed of her second son, Oct.
10, 1674, in the twenty-third year of her age. The inscriptions are thus translated:--"Blessed be the Lord, my wife was precious! Blessed be thy remembrance, oh, virtuous woman!" Thus far the Hebrew. The Greek thus:--"When I think on thy mildness, patience, charity, modesty, and piety, I lament thee, oh, most excellent creature! and I grieve exceedingly; but not like such as have no faith, for I believe and expect the resurrection of those who sleep in Christ."--_Stanton, sculptor._
A beautiful monument to JOHN SMITH, Esq. The design is a pyramid and altar, on which sits a lady veiled, mournful, and disconsolate, resting her right arm on a fine bust in relief. On the base is a Latin inscription, setting forth his descent from the Smith's in Lincolnshire: and issue, viz., two daughters, Ann, the eldest, first married to Henry Parker, Esq., son of Sir Harry Parker, of Warwickshire, and afterwards to Michael, Lord Dunkellin, eldest son of the Earl of Clanrickard; and Mary, the youngest, married to Edward Desboverie, of Langford, in Wilts, Bart.
John Smith died July 6, 1718.--_Gibbs, sculptor._
Above is a monument erected to the memory of JAMES FLEMING, Major-General of his Majesty's Forces, and Colonel of a Regiment of Foot, who, having served forty-four years a commissioned officer, died March 17, 1750, aged sixty-eight. At the top of a beautiful pyramid of marble, is a medallion of this General, at the base of which are the figures of Minerva and Hercules, employed in binding the emblems of Wisdom, Prudence, and Valour together, as characteristics of the hero. The decorations are military trophies.--_Roubiliac, sculptor._
ANN FILDING.--This tomb, on which are two very learned inscriptions, one in Hebrew, the other in Ethiopic, is erected to the memory of the second wife of Sir Samuel Morland, Baronet. The Hebrew inscription is to this effect:--"Oh, thou fairest among women! oh! virtuous woman! the hand of the Lord hath done this! the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, and blessed be the name of the Lord." The Ethiopic inscription is thus translated:--"Come, lament o'er this monument with a beloved husband, for thee; but in certain hope that thou art united with Christ. This lady was truly religious, virtuous, faithful, mild as a dove, and chaste; while she continued in life, she was honoured, and is happy, through mercy, in death." This is one of Mr. Addison's _modest inscriptions_, that has not, perhaps, been three times read in more than threescore years. Under the Ethiopic is this inscription:--"Ann, daughter of George Filding, Esq., and Mary, his wife, the truly loving (and as truly beloved) wife of Samuel Morland, Knight and Baronet, died February 20, 1679/80, aetatis nineteen."--_Stanton, sculptor._
DIANA TEMPLE.--This old-fashioned monument seems to have been designed not for one person, but for all Sir William Temple's family, as appears by the inscription, written by Sir William himself, in which is mentioned Diana Temple, who died at fourteen; Dorothy Osborn, probably Sir William's lady, aged sixty-six; William Temple, aged seventy; and Martha Giffard, called Lady Giffard, Sir William's sister, aged eighty-four.
Sir CHARLES HARBORD, Knight, and CLEMENT COTTRELL, Esq.--On the base of this double monument is represented in relief, a dreadful sea-fight; and on the top, in a wreath of laurel, this inscription:--"To preserve and unite the harmony of two faithful friends who lost their lives at sea together, May 28, 1672." These two young gentlemen, of the most promising expectations, both perished in the Royal James, with the Earl of Sandwich, who commanded in her as Vice-Admiral against the Dutch, in that memorable fight off the coast of Suss.e.x, in Charles the Second's time. The Royal James being set on fire, Sir Charles Harbord, First Lieutenant, though he might have saved himself by swimming, yet out of pure affection to his worthy Commander, chose to die with him. Young Cottrell was a volunteer; and having returned to his ship unwounded, from being the first man that had boarded a Dutchman of seventy guns, and pulled down the ensigns of her with his own hands, perished also with his friends. This gentleman understood seven languages, though but twenty-two years of age. This moving story is recited at large on the monument, but too long to copy.
Above is the monument of WILLIAM HARGRAVE, Esq., Lieutenant-General of his Majesty's forces, Colonel of the Royal English Fusileers, and Governor of Gibraltar, who having been fifty-seven years a commissioned officer, died 21st January, 1750, aged seventy-nine. The figure of Time is represented to have overcome Death; he is breaking the dart of Death across his knee; the pyramid is destroyed at the sound of the trumpet, the dead rising, and the crown of Death is fallen to the ground.--_Designed and executed by Roubiliac._
A fine bust to SIDNEY, Earl G.o.dOLPHIN, with a rich cravat. In 1661, he was Groom of the Bedchamber to Charles II.; 1679, Commissioner of the Treasury; in 1684, Secretary of State, and the same year created Baron of Rialton, in Cornwall, by James II. After the Revolution he was made First Commissioner of the Treasury, and soon after Lord High Treasurer, which office, as his inscription shows, together with that of Chief Minister, he held during the first nine glorious years of Queen Anne's reign. He died Sept. 15, 1712, aged sixty-seven.--_Bird, sculptor._
Colonel ROGER TOWNSHEND.--Here is a sarcophagus, supported by two Indians, on the front of which is represented in bas-relief, the fall of this great commander, with his officers attending him in his dying moments. This monument is decorated with military trophies, and beneath is the following inscription.--"This monument was erected by a disconsolate parent, the Lady Vicountess Townshend, to the memory of her fifth son, the Honourable Lieutenant-Colonel Roger Townshend, who was killed by a cannon-ball, July 25, 1759, in the twenty-eighth year of his age, as he was reconnoitring the French lines at Ticonderagoe, in North America. From the parent, the brother, and the friend, his social and amiable manners, his enterprising bravery, and the integrity of his heart, may claim the tribute of affection. Yet, stranger, weep not! for though premature his death, his life was glorious, enrolling him with the names of those immortal Statesmen and Commanders, whose wisdom and intrepidity, in the course of this comprehensive and successful war, have extended the commerce, enlarged the dominion, and upheld the majesty of these kingdoms, beyond the idea of any former age."--_Eckstein, sculptor._
Above is a tablet to Mrs. BRIDGET RADLEY, wife of Charles Radley, Esq., Gentleman Usher and Daily Waiter of James II., who erected this monument to her memory. She died November 20, 1769.
A monument to Sir JOHN CHARDIN, Bart., and is very emblematical, alluding to the travels of this gentleman, by which, as his motto expresses, "_he acquired his fame_." The globe, round which a number of geographical instruments are represented, exhibits a view of the different countries through which he travelled; and the motto beneath refers to the dangers he providentially escaped, for which he ascribes to G.o.d the glory. A journal of his travels into the Eastern countries he has published--a book in high esteem.--_Henry Cheere, sculptor._
Beneath is a monument with this inscription:--"Sacred to the immortal memory of Sir PALMES FAIRBORNE, Knight, Governor of Tangier, in the execution of which command he was mortally wounded by a shot from the Moors then besieging the town, in the forty-sixth year of his age, October 24, 1680." The following is the epitaph, written by Mr. Dryden:--
"Ye sacred reliques which our marble keep Here, undisturb'd by wars, in quiet sleep, Discharge the trust which (when it was below) Fairborne's undaunted soul did undergo, And be the town's Palladium from the foe!
Alive and dead, these walls he did defend: Great actions great examples must attend.
The Candian siege his early value knew, Where Turkish blood did his young hands imbrue; From thence returning, with deserv'd applause, Against the Moors his well-flesh'd sword he draws, The same the courage, and the same the cause.
His youth and age, his life and death combine, As in some great and regular design, All of a piece throughout, and all divine.
Still nearer heaven, his virtues shone more bright: Like rising flames expanding in their height, The martyr's glory crowns the soldier's flight.
More bravely British Gen'ral never fell, Nor Gen'ral's death was e'er reveng'd so well, Which his pleas'd eyes beheld before their close, Follow'd by thousand victims of his foes.
To his lamented loss, for times to come, His pious widow consecrates this tomb."