16. Near this last, is a fine monument erected to the memory of Mr. John Gay, by the Duke and Duchess of Queensberry, his great patrons. His bust is a very good one, and the masks, instruments of music, and other devices, are blended together in a group, in allusion to the various species of writings in which he excelled, as farce, satire, fable, and pastoral. The short epitaph in the front, was written by himself, and has given some offence, as the sentiment at first view seems by no means proper for a monument; Life is a jest, and all things shew it: I thought so once, but now I know it. Underneath are these lines: Of manners gentle, of affections mild; In wit, a man; simplicity, a child; With native humour temp’ring virtuous rage, Form’d to delight, at once, and lash the age: Above temptation in a low estate, And uncorrupted, ev’n among the great. A safe companion, and an easy friend; Unblam’d thro’ life, lamented in thy end. These are thy honours; not that here thy bust Is mix’d with Heroes, or with Kings thy dust; But that the Worthy and the Good shall say, Striking their pensive bosoms—Here lies Gay. A. POPE. Here lie the ashes of Mr. John Gay, the warmest friend, the gentlest companion, the most benevolent man; who maintained independency in low circumstances of fortune; integrity, in the midst of a corrupt age; and that equal serenity of mind, which conscious goodness alone can give, throughout the whole course of his life. Favourite of the Muses, he was led by them to every elegant art, refined in taste, and fraught with graces all his own. In various kinds of poetry, superior to many, inferior to none: his works continue to inspire what his example taught; contempt of folly, however adorned; detestation of vice, however dignified; reverence of virtue, however disgraced. Charles and Catharine, Duke and Duchess of Queensberry, who loved his person living, and regret him dead, have caused this monument to be erected to his memory.