The best epitaphs, according to our notion, are generally the shortest and the plainest. In no description of composition is elaborate and ornate phraseology so much out of place. Where a world-wide reputation has been achieved, the name alone, with the addition perhaps of a date, is often calculated to produce a more impressive effect than an ostentatious inscription. It has been observed that the simple words— CATHERINE THE GREAT TO PETER THE FIRST, inscribed on the monument erected by the Empress Catherine to the memory of her husband, arrogant as they are, contain the essence of the sublime. And, in like manner, among the most impressive memorials in Westminster Abbey are the words, "O rare Ben Jonson," chiselled beneath the great play-wright’s bust, and the name of J. DRYDEN, with the date of his birth and death, and the simple statement, that the tomb was erected, in 1720, by John Sheffield, Duke of Buckingham. We doubt whether the effect of the latter would have been improved by the addition of the couplet written for it by Pope, admirable as it is: This Sheffield raised: the sacred dust below Was Dryden once—the rest who does not know? Among the best epitaphs in the Poet’s Corner, we are inclined to number that on Spenser, which combines in an eminent degree dignity and simplicity, and possesses a character which at once attracts attention. The monument on which it appears had been originally erected by Anne, Countess of Dorset, and having fallen into decay, was restored, in 1768, precisely in its old form: Heare lyes (expecting the second Comminge of our Savior CHRIST JESUS) the body of Edmond Spencer, The Prince of Poets in his tyme, Other witnesse than the works Which he left behinde him. He was borne in London in the yeare 1553, And died in the year 1598. The epitaph of Michael Drayton, another of the Elizabethan poets, said by some to be the composition of Ben Jonson, and by others to be by Quarles, has also a species of quaint beauty and solemnity which raises it above the ordinary level. It was originally in gilt letters: MICHAEL DRAITON, Esq. A memorable poet of this age, Exchanged his laurell for a crowne of glorye, Ao. 1631. Doe, pious Marble! let thy readers knowe What they and what their children owe To DRAITON’S name, whose sacred dust We recommend unto thy TRUST: Protect his memory, and preserve his storye, Remaine a lastinge monument of his glorye; And when thy ruines shall disclaime To be the treas’rer of his name, His name that cannot fade shall be An everlasting monument to thee.