A RECORD EPITAPH

Evening Star, Issue 22460, 3 October 1936, Page 3

A RECORD EPITAPH

WIFE'S VIRTUES AND VICES Thomas Bond, of Horsley Down, Cumberland, departed this life too quickly on the heels of his wife to leave on record his views about ber._ His brother, however, saw to it that so remarkable a woman—as she appeared to him—should get her tribute of mixed blame and praise, in one of the longest character sketches to be found on tombstones. It is quoted in the ‘Spectator as carved on a monument in Horsley Down Church, and reads : Here lies the bodies of Thomas Bond and Mary his wife. _ She was temperate, chaste, and charitable; but She was pround, peevish, and passionate ; She was an affectionate wife and a tender mother; but Her husband and child, whom she loved Seldom saw her countenance without a disgusting frown; While she received visitors whom she despised With an endearing smile. Her behaviour was discreet towards strangers; but Impudent in her family. Abroad, her conduct was influenced by good breeding; but At home by ill temper. She was a professed enemy to flattery, and was seldom known to praise or commend; but The talents in which she principally excelled Were difference of opinion and discovering flaws and imperfections. She was an admirable economist, And without prodigality Dispensed plenty to every person in her family; but Would sacrifice their eyes to a farthing candle. She sometimes made her husband happy with her good qualities; but Much more frequently miserable with her many failings; Insomuch that in thirty years cohabitation he often Lamented that, maugre all her virtues He had not in the whole enjoyed two years of matrimonal comfort. At length Finding that she had lost the affections of her husband, As well as the regard of her neighbours— Family disputes having been indulged by servants— She died of vexation, July 26th, 1768, Aged 48 years. Her worn-out husband survived her four months Two day and Departed this life November 28th,1768, in the 54th years of his age. William Bond, brother of the deceased, erected This stone.