A DORSET WORTHY. 27 



TRANSLATION OF THE INSCRIPTION. 



Here lies William Stone, native of Dorset, Bachelor of Laws, dis- 

 tinguished for learning, judgment and piety, so precocious beyond 

 belief in true talent, that, not being as yet capable in age for taking 

 the oath, he was compelled to defer receiving the Academical degree 

 which was abundantly his due. The remarkable ability which he 

 displayed in his youth continued to advance even to old age. And 

 as soon as his age permitted he was appointed to preside over the 

 Church of Wimborne his native place, in satisfaction of the earnest 

 desire of the people. As the civil war increased, and he became in 

 danger of harm from the enemy, he betook himself to the Royal Army, 

 where through many labours, losses and dangers he strenuously 

 fulfilled his (ministerial) duty. When the good cause succumbed, he 

 travelled in foreign lands, with much advantage to himself in sagacity 

 and learning. After the happy return of Charles II. he was restored 

 to his own Wimborne, having no desire for further preferments. Then 

 as age and disease told upon him, he returned to Oxford, and found 

 some measure of repose in the Principalship of New Inn Hall. There, 

 after long affliction from bodily weakness, yet vigorous to the last in 

 memory and judgment, he bequeathed his wealth to the needy, and 

 (yielded up) his soul to heaven on the 22nd day of June, 1685, in the 

 70th year of his age. 



