218 OSWALDKIRK. 



Oswaldkirk, Esq., 



and wife of Edward Thompson. 



Who departed this life 1784 aged 72. 



f She was eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame, 



" and the blessing of him that was ready to 



" perish came upon her." 



" Memoria justorum erit benedicta." 



Terrestrial objects quickly fly, 



They haste to swift decay ; 

 Remind us of the mouldering tomb, 



"Which leads to heaven the way. 



In the floor of the aisle, which leads into the 

 chancel, is a large flag, on which there is simply 

 engraved an abbot's crosier, or pastoral staff, with- 

 out any inscription. It is possible that it may re- 

 late to the old monastery, a small part of the ruin of 

 which is still visible. 1 examined the floor of the 

 chancel narrowly in every direction, searched 

 the aisle and the flag on every side, vainly 

 attempting to find some clue to this mysterious 

 staff; there it presented itself simply and tanta- 

 lizingly, baffling my researches, and forcibly bring- 

 ing to my recollection the expressive lines of my 

 favourite Cowper. 



My name ray country what are they to thee 

 "What, whether base or proud, my pedigree ? 

 Perhaps I far surpassed all other men 

 Perhaps I fell below them all, what then ? 

 Suffice it, stranger 1 that thou see'st a tomb- 

 Thou know'st its use it hides no matter whom. 



