While perusing the contents of the January 1818 issue of La Belle Assemblée, the following little tidbit caught my eye, making me chuckle.
A Queer Epitaph*
On a tombstone in Lyme (America), there was a few years since, and perhaps is at this time, the following epitaph, said to be written by the person for whom it was inscribed : ─
A deacon, aged 58--58,
On earth no more is sarvin ;
He for a crown no longer waits,
Lyme's Captain Renald Marvin.
Tradition says that the above Captain Marvin, when young, courted one Betty Lee, a handsome hearty lass, whose father was violently opposed to the match. Every probable measure was taken to mollify the old gentleman, but all in vain. The young folks were as obstinate as the old one, and determined to have their own way. As in those good old times none could be matrimonially fettered without a previous manifesto, either from the mouth of the minister or nailed on the door of the meeting-house, they made choice of the latter method, and Renald wrote the following stanzas, which was nailed as aforesaid :─
Tradition further says that the poetical abilities thus displayed had such an effect on dad, that he shortly after consented that Renald and Betty should become one flesh.
Renald Marvin, Betsy Lee,
Do both intend to marry ;
And though her dad opposed be,
No longer can they tarry.
Tradition further says that the poetical abilities thus displayed had such an effect on dad, that he shortly after consented that Renald and Betty should become one flesh.
*Taken verbatim from La Belle Assemblée, January 1818.
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