Edward Cracroft Lefroy (1855–1891)

A BARD is buried here, not strong, but sweet;

A Teacher too, not great, but gently wise;

This modest stone (the burghers thought it meet)

May tell the world where so much virtue lies.

His happy skill it was in mart and street

To scan men’s faces with a true surmise,

Follow the spirit to its inmost seat,

And read the soul reflected in the eyes.

No part had he in catholic renown,

Which none but god-inspirèd poets share;

Not his to trail the philosophic gown,

That only sages of the School may wear;

But his at least to fill an alien town

With friends, who make his tomb their loving care.