32 LEONARD WHEATCROFT, OF ASHOVER. 



then open to lads of the middle classes. No doubt his accom- 

 plishments were considered very wonderful by the villagers, and 

 his genius recognised by all who knew him. His extracts froiri 

 parish registers were often tendered in verse to his applicants for 

 certificates, and almost every incident of village life was reduced 

 to rhyme, and sung no doubt to the most approved tunes. The 

 death of an old and respected neighbour generally suggested an 

 elegy adorned with pathetic allusions, high commendations, and 

 pious aspirations. 



His loyalty was as unmistakable as his Puritanical or anti- 

 Popery principles were pronounced. He had an exalted opinion 

 of " Asher," and " Asher" was proud of him. His songs on the 

 ringers of the neighbouring churches, in which there is sometimes 

 a touch of criticism, but, generally speaking, more of admiration, 

 are particularly interesting. They are written in the most genuine 

 vein of good fellowship, as by one of a fraternity held together by 

 the truest sympathies. We may almost see them at their ropes, 

 and Leonard standing kindly by, noting their merits, and over- 

 looking many a failing. 



These belfry sketches are invaluable ; all of them are given, as 

 well as our author's " rules " for " Asher " belfry. 



Of Leonard's vocal powers we have no evidence save that 

 of his son, but in his song written for his own use when collecting 

 his clerk's wages, he alludes to his ability to teach them David's 

 Psalms. At the end of Leonard's "Art of Poetry" is a filial 

 tribute inserted by his son Titus, entitled, " A single Epitaph on 

 my honoured father, who was clerk of this church 36 years." 



" Leonard is gone! alas, what shall I say? 

 E'en from us all he now is ta'en away. 

 Of all the Clerks i'th country there's not one 

 That could be equalized with him ; but ah ! he's gone. 

 A right good voice he had, zuhich did , appear 

 Right clear to sing, that evejy one might hear. 



To all alike he was both civil, meek, and kind, 

 Constantly courteous, of an honest mind. 

 Rare Leonard's gone : — I hope where he doth sing 

 High praise and thanks unto his heavenly king." 



