Respect the grave of poverty
when combined with love of truth
and dear affection.

Although, of course, it is treasonable to say so, I confess I think
this inscription somewhat cumbrous and awkward. The antithesis
is not a good one, between the difficulty of Jeanie's 'personal
exertions' and the laudableness of the motive which led to them.
And there is something not metaphysically correct in the combination
described in the closing sentence--the combination of poverty,
an outward condition, with truthfulness and affection, two
inward characteristics. The only parallel phrase which I remember
in literature is one which was used by Mr. Stiggins when he was
explaining to Sam Weller what was meant by a moral pocket-handkerchief.
'It's them,' were Mr. Stiggins's words, 'as combines useful
instruction with wood-cuts.' Poverty might co-exist with, or be
associated with, any mental qualities you please, but assuredly it
cannot correctly be said to enter into combination with any.

As for odd and ridiculous epitaphs, their number is great, and
every one has the chief of them at his fingers' ends. I shall be
content to give two or three, which I am quite sure hardly any of
my readers ever heard of before. The following, which may be read
on a tombstone in a country churchyard in Ayrshire, appears to
me to be unequalled for irreverence. And let critics observe the
skilful introduction of the dialogue form, giving the inscription
a dramatic effect:--

Wha is it that's lying here?--
Robin Wood, ye needna speer.