the imagination in order that the reason may speak her own language earlier than she would otherwise have been enabled to do.  This shadowy interposition also harmoniously unites the two worlds of the living and the dead by their appropriate affections.  And it may be observed, that here we have an additional proof of the propriety with which sepulchral inscriptions were referred to the consciousness of immortality as their primal source.

I do not speak with a wish to recommend that an epitaph should be cast in this mould preferably to the still more common one, in which what is said comes from the survivors directly; but rather to point out how natural those feelings are which have induced men, in all states and ranks of society, so frequently to adopt this mode.  And this I have done chiefly in order that the laws, which ought to govern the composition of the other, may be better understood.  This latter mode, namely, that in which the survivors speak in their own persons, seems to me upon the whole greatly preferable:  as it admits a wider range of notices; and, above all, because, excluding the fiction which is the ground-work of the other, it rests upon a more solid basis.

Enough has been a said to convey our notion of a perfect epitaph; but it must be borne in mind that one is meant which will best answer the general ends of that species of composition.  According to the course pointed out, the worth of private life, through all varieties of situation and character, will be most honourably and profitably preserved in memory.  Nor would the model recommended less suit public men, in all instances save of those persons who by the greatness of their services in the employments of peace or war, or by the surpassing excellence of their works in art, literature, or science, have made themselves not only universally known, but have filled the heart of their country with everlasting gratitude.  Yet I must here pause to correct myself.  In describing the general tenor of thought which epitaphs ought to hold, I have omitted to say, that if it be the actions of a man, or even some one conspicuous or beneficial act of local or general utility, which have distinguished him, and excited a desire that he should be remembered, then, of course, ought the attention to be directed chiefly to those actions or that act:  and such sentiments dwelt upon as naturally arise out of them or it.  Having made this necessary distinction, I proceed.—­The mighty benefactors of mankind, as they are not only known by the immediate survivors, but will continue to be known familiarly to latest posterity, do not stand in need of biographic sketches, in such a place; nor of delineations of character to individualise them.  This is already done by their Works, in the memories of men.  Their naked names, and a grand comprehensive sentiment of civic gratitude, patriotic love, or human admiration—­or the utterance of some elementary principle most essential in the constitution of true virtue;—­or a declaration touching that pious humility and self-abasement, which are ever most profound as minds are most susceptible of genuine exaltation—­or an intuition, communicated in adequate words, of the sublimity of intellectual power;—­these are the only tribute which can here be paid—­the only offering that upon such an altar would not be unworthy.