The Greeks (as Mr. Pettigrew remarks in his _Chronicles of the Tombs_), “wrote their epitaphs in elegiac verse, and afterwards in prose, and the collections published by various hands are well known to, and duly appreciated by, scholars.” The Roman tombs also afford us an example worthy of imitation, in the purity and simplicity of their inscriptions. They usually began with D. M. (Diis Manibus), followed by the name, office, and age of the deceased, and a conclusion, which informed the reader by whom or through what means the inscription was erected. Whether the Saxons or the Danes used monumental inscriptions, either in their own or in the Latin tongue, has been doubted. The few which we have for people of the Saxon times, are probably the compositions of a later date. Three or four small slabs, however, bearing crosses and some early British female names, supposed to be those of nuns, were dug up some years ago at Hartlepool. We are informed also, by the above quoted author, that “in this country, in early times, were inscriptions prohibited to be engraven on any tombs but those belonging to persons distinguished either by their high position, as governors of the kingdom or as military commanders, or remarkable for their wisdom and virtues.” Since this prohibition has been removed, however, no time seems to have been lost in showing the necessity for, and the advantage of, such regulation. The following pages are intended to convey some idea, to those who have not the opportunity to search our churchyards for themselves, of the extent to which the practice has been carried of inscribing tombstones with verses remarkable either for their quaintness, or their rude attempts at humour. It has been thought advisable to intersperse with the curious Epitaphs a few inscriptions, more elegant in their composition, and more praiseworthy in their purport. The Miscellaneous are for the most part authentic, and so frequently placed on gravestones, that to prevent repetition it has been thought best to arrange them in a chapter by themselves. It is hoped, that while this collection of curious Epitaphs may afford amusement to all, that it will not prove offensive to any, nor fail to convey the salutary lesson that a healthful smile may be elicited from the homely record of human woe. H. E. N. CHELSEA ATHENÆUM, 1_st April_, 1861. EPITAPHS. Bedfordshire. COLMWORTH. Here is a magnificent monument, erected in 1611, by Lady Dyer, in memory of her deceased husband, Sir William Dyer, the inscription upon which tells us that “they multiplied themselves into seven children.” Beneath are the following quaint lines:—