A friend without guile
We referred to the wonderful charitable contributions of Britain's people below. This stone speaks more personally about giving and about friendship, too. It can be found in the small and simple church of St Swithun's in Winchester, a place with an ancient and holy spirit. The tone and style of the inscription recall Jane Austen's most tender expressions.
Wm WIDMORE
He was, (which is most rare)
A friend without guile,
An Apothecary without Ostentation.
His extensive Charity in his profession
Entitled him to be call'd
The Physician of the poor.
Let other inscriptions
Boast Honours, Pedigree, and Riches,
Here lies an honest Englishman,
Who died the 19th Day of June 1756.
Aged 63.
This was a man.
