Grocott & Ward, comps. Grocott’s Familiar Quotations, 6th ed. 189-?.
Sexton
At last an honest sexton join’d the throng,
(For, as the theme was large, their talk was long,)
Neighbours, he cried, my conscience bids me tell,
Though ’twas the doctor preach’d—I toll’d the bell!
Mallett.—On Criticism.
I snuff’d the candles; and, let me tell you, that without a candle-snuffer the piece would lose half its embellishments.
Goldsmith.—Essays. Strolling Player.
See yonder maker of the dead man’s bed,
The sexton, hoary-headed chronicle;
Of hard unmeaning face, down which ne’er stole
A gentle tear.
Blair.—The Grave, Line 452.