Thomas Smith

Memorial inscription

DEPOSITUM

THOMÆ SMITH S.T.P.

Hujusce Collegij SOCII inter Seniores et VICE-MAGISTRI

Obijt III. Kal. Mart.

A.D. MDCCXIII/IV

ÆTAT. LVII.

Hæc sunt, quae pro Modestia qua erat Vir Ornatissimus, in hoc Marmore inscribi voluit, Inter quos viz. Nomen aliquod Decusque dum vixerit, illum habuisse, de quo id potius dici debuit, vtrumq[ue] in perpetuum habiturum esse.  Quin cætera liberius memorabunt Posteri; Nobis utcunq[ue] beneficijs suis Laudum satis amplam reliquerit materiam, Iniquam tamen conditionem silentium imposuit.

Translation

Here lies Thomas Smith, D.D., a Senior Fellow and Vice-Master, who died on 27th February 1714 at the age of fifty-six.

Such was the modesty of this most excellent man that he wished only the above words to be inscribed on this tablet, with the implication that while he lived he had some considerable reputation and honour among us; concerning which it ought rather to have been said that both of these things would be his in perpetuity.  As for the rest of his accomplishments, future generations will celebrate them more freely.  For us through his bequests he has left behind him ample material for praise; and his imposition of silence on us was a harsh condition of our acceptance.