The following lines also appear on the same stone:--
Death's silent summons comes unto us all, And makes a universal funeral!-- Spares not the tender babe because it's young, Youth too, and its men in years, and weak and strong! Spares not the wicked, proud, and insolent, Neither the righteous, just, nor innocent; All living souls, must pass the dismal doom Of mournful death, to join the silent tomb.
The following lines to the memory of Thomas Stokes are from his gravestone in Burton churchyard, upon which a profile of his head is cut. He for many years swept the roads in Burton:--
This stone was raised by Subscription to the memory of THOMAS STOKES, an eccentric, but much respected, Deaf and Dumb man, better known by the name of "DUMB TOM," who departed this life Feb. 25th, 1837, aged 54 years.
What man can pause and charge this senseless dust With fraud, or subtilty, or aught unjust? How few can conscientiously declare Their acts have been as honourably fair? No gilded bait, no heart ensnaring need Could bribe poor STOKES to one dishonest deed. Firm in attachment to his friends most true-- Though Deaf and Dumb, he was excell'd by few. Go ye, by nature form'd without defect, And copy Tom, and gain as much respect.
Next we deal with an instance of pure affection. The churchyard of the Yorkshire village of Bowes contains the grave of two lovers, whose touching fate suggested Mallet's beautiful ballad of "Edward and Emma." The real names of the couple were Rodger Wrightson and Martha Railton. The story is rendered with no less accuracy than pathos by the poet:--
Far in the windings of the vale, Fast by a sheltering wood, The safe retreat of health and peace, A humble cottage stood.
There beauteous Emma nourished fair, Beneath a mother's eye; Whose only wish on earth was now To see her blest and die.
Long had she filled each youth with love, Each maiden with despair, And though by all a wonder owned, Yet knew not she was fair.
Till Edwin came, the pride of swains, A soul devoid of art; And from whose eyes, serenely mild, Shone forth the feeling heart.
We are told that Edwin's father and sister were bitterly opposed to their love. The poor youth pined away. When he was dying Emma, was permitted to see him, but the cruel sister would scarcely allow her to bid him a word of farewell. Returning home, she heard the passing bell toll for the death of her lover--