Laudator Temporis Acti

Robert DeMaria, Jr., "Samuel Parr's Epitaph for Johnson, His Library, and His Unwritten Biography," in Jesse G. Swan, ed., Editing Lives: Essays in Contemporary Textual and Biographical Studies in Honor of O M Brack, Jr. (Lewisburg: Bucknell University Press, 2013), pp. 67-92 (at 75, note omitted):

Parr was never really happy with the changes he was forced to make in Johnson's epitaph. He went over the details again and again with later correspondents, most extensively perhaps with Lord Sheffield in 1797 when he was approached by the Lord to compose Gibbon's epitaph. In this case he decided to use the "lapidary" style:

What I had done for Johnson, I found after frequent & serious consideration, that I neither could attempt with so much propriety, nor perform with so much success, for Mr. Gibbon. The variety, the brilliancy, & even the peculiarity of Mr. Gibbon's character determined to adopt for him the lapidary stile, which was first introduced among the Italians by Laur. Pignoribus, Jac. Salianus, Em. Thesaurus, Oct. Fermarius, Jo. Palatius, &c. & which afterward was employed by the French, the Germans, & by our own Countrymen.

The epitaph for Gibbon is on his statue at Fletching in Sussex.

There is no statue of Gibbon at Fletching. Here is the epitaph in the Fletching parish church (click once or twice to enlarge): Here is a transcription in mixed case letters, lightly punctuated:

Eduardus Gibbon,
criticus acri ingenio et multiplici doctrina ornatus
idemque historicorum qui fortunam
imperii Romani
vel labentis et inclinati vel eversi et funditus deleti
litteris mandaverint
omnium facile princeps,
cujus in moribus erat moderatio animi
cum liberali quadam specie conjuncta
in sermone
multae gravitati comitas suaviter adspersa,
in scriptis
copiosum, splendidum,
concinnum orbe verborum
et summo artificio distinctum
orationis genus
reconditae exquisitaeque sententiae
et in momentis rerum politicarum observandis
acuta et perspicax prudentia.
Vixit annos LVI mens(es) VII dies XXVIII.
Decessit (ante diem) XVII Cal(endas) Feb(ruarias) anno sacro
MDCCLXXXXIV
et in hoc mausoleo sepultus est
ex voluntate Johannis Domini Sheffield
qui amico bene merenti et convictori humanissimo
h(anc) tab(ulam) p(oni) c(uravit).

Here is an English translation of the epitaph, from a paper copy in the church:

EDWARD GIBBON

A critical scholar endowed with a keen intellect and varied learning

He was by far the most outstanding of all the historians who have committed to writing the fortunes of the Roman Empire as it declined, fell and was finally overthrown and destroyed.

In his personal character there was a reasonableness of mind joined with liberal sentiments.

In his conversation charm was joined agreeably to deep seriousness.

In his writings was shown an abundant, well-chosen and skilful choice of words superbly crafted.

His public utterances displayed a profound and impressive command of words. In his dealing with public affairs he displayed insight, shrewdness and wisdom.

He lived for 56 years, 7 months and 28 days and died on 16 January, in the year of our Lord 1794.

[Note: The 17th day before the calends of February is 16th January]

He was buried in this tomb by the willing assent of John, Lord Sheffield, who caused this memorial to be erected to his faithful friend and learned companion.

Hat tip: Eric Thomson.