Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Epitaphs
Here is the epitaph of the Greek tragedian Aeschylus, perhaps written by himself (tr. Herbert Weir Smyth):
Similarly Thomas Jefferson's epitaph, also written by himself, makes no mention of the fact that he served as President of the United States:
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This tomb hideth the dust of Aeschylus, an Athenian, Euphorion's son, who died in wheat-bearing Gela; his glorious valour the precinct of Marathon may proclaim, and the long-haired Medes, who knew it well.The epitaph refers to the Athenian victory over the Persians at Marathon in 490 B.C., but makes no mention of Aeschylus' plays.
Similarly Thomas Jefferson's epitaph, also written by himself, makes no mention of the fact that he served as President of the United States:
HERE WAS BURIED
THOMAS JEFFERSON
AUTHOR OF THE
DECLARATION
OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE
OF THE
STATUTE OF VIRGINIA
FOR
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
AND FATHER OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
BORN APRIL 2. 1743. O.S.
DIED JULY 4. 1826
