Nottinghamshire
Alverton
Beneath the droppings of this spout, 80a
Here lies the body once so stout,
Of Francis Thompson.
A soul this carcase long possess’d,
Which for its virtue was caress’d,
By all who knew the owner best.
The Rufford 80b records can declare
His actions, who, for seventy year,
Both drew and drank its potent beer.
Fame mention not in all that time,
In this great Butler the least crime,
To stain his reputation.
To Envy’s self we now appeal,
If aught of fault she can reveal,
To make her declaration.
Then rest, good shade, nor hell nor vermin fear;
Thy virtues guard thy soul—thy body good strong beer.
He died July 6, 1739, aged 83.