268 THE WEDGWOODS. 



AN EPITAPH BY THOMAS PERCIVAL, M.D. 



To 

 Commemorate distinguished merit 



ancl 

 Prolong the influence of bright Example, 



This Tablet 

 is inscribed to 



THOMAS BENTLEY, ESQ., 

 Whose inventive genius, 



Elegant Taste, 

 and capacious understanding 



were directed, 



in their various exertions, by 

 Genuine Patriotism, 



and 

 Universal Philanthropy. 



Art 



owes to him the revival of 

 Antique Beauty j 



Commerce 



the extension of 



Inland Navigation ; 



and 







Science 



Its true application to 

 Human Life and Manners : 



In the meridian of his 

 reputation, usefulness, and prosperity, 



lamented by the public, 

 Praised, wept, and honoured by the friends 



His Attic converse 

 gladdened and improved, 



He died, aged 50, ^ 



Nov. 26, A.D. 1780. 



Mr. Bentley died childless. By his first wife I believe 

 he had one infant, which died in its first year ; by his 

 second marriage he had none. And thus his name, as well 

 as his pure and refined taste, his brilliant intellect, and his 

 blameless and philanthropic life, died with him. Mrs. 

 Bentley, who survived her husband many years, after a time 

 it appears removed to Gower Street, where she died. 



In 1781, consequent on the death of Thomas Bentley, the 



