Page:Ainsworth's Magazine - Volume 2.pdf/228
In a walk leading again into the path which encloses all, we have a view of a newly erected tribute, combining great simplicity of architectural design with pre-eminence of floral beauty. Above its simple inscription is an extinguished funeral torch; and beneath—"The family tomb of William Harrison Ainsworth, Esq."
"In memory of Thomas Ainsworth, Esq., of Manchester, who died on the 20th June, 1824, aged 45 years: his remains are deposited in Rosthorne Churchyard, Cheshire.
"Also of Mrs. Ann Ainsworth, widow of the above, who died on the 15th of March, 1842, aged 64 years. Her remains are deposited in the vault beneath."
Entering the Colonnade, the object that first fixed our gaze was an elegant white marble tablet. The inscription is affecting. How beautiful in its strength and intensity is that mysterious bond of love, which death cannot divide, linking the perished one and the survivor in the same record, joining the future to the past.
"To Louisa, the most beloved wife of John Cox, of Hyde Park- street, Esq. Her husband endured his affliction until the — day of —— 18—, when he had entered his —th year. His body is placed close to the remains of her who was the comfort and support of his soul upon earth."
On a headstone not far off there is a second example of this anticipated reunion.
"Also Susannah Pillock, his wife, who died —— aged ——"
These blanks in the inscription have an awful look, and speak eloquently of the future. They are as graves already dug, and waiting only to be filled up. The feeling which suggests them tells us that the business of this world is over, the account drawn up, the record entered—all but a few figures. The life of life is felt to be at an end—there can be no stay here—the date of departure is alone required to be inserted in the register!
Near the tablet just noticed appears a well-executed head of Sir William Knighton, and a record of the death of Lord George Murray, Bishop of St. David's:—
"His lordship was the inventor of the first telegraph established in this kingdom, 1796."
There is an elegant bas-relief above the ashes of Thomas Peake, of Perthwig, Denbigh, with many other interesting and graceful memorials.
WEST AND SOUTH WALKS.
Descending, and advancing a few yards upon the green turf, we notice, among the many lovely tokens we had overlooked, a small, light, temple-fashioned memorial, surrounded with yew, to the relict of Col. George Mence; and making our way towards the west walk, passing various massy tombs—that, for example, of Richard Gregory, of Berners-street—whose closed doors look sealed up for ever, we arrived at some pretty, small, encircled monuments;—one to
"Blanche Eliza, eldest and beloved daughter of Lord and Lady Howard."
The solemnities which enclose the dust of children are almost invariably in good taste. Within a railing filled with violets and harebells, lies an infant named Porter; a tastefully sculptured design indicates the simple state in which the offspring of John and Susannah Cowie lies buried; an enclosure of laurel and yew reveals, above the remains of two little brothers named Coster, the inscription—
"Why should we repine when our little ones are crowned with glory;"—