Page 26 - The Devil's Arsonist

Chapter 11

The Rector of Hadleigh

St. Mary, Hadleigh, Suffolk

“Merciful Father! Great Omnipotent! For Jesus' sake, Thy well-beloved Son, Hear the last cry of one
in misery, Oh shorten—mitigate the pains I feel! Oh take me to thine everlasting arms, Sweet Jesus—
my soul's repose. Mark this rude stone where Taylor dauntless stood, where zeal infuriate drank the
Martyr's blood; Hadleigh! that day how many a tearful eye. Saw thy loved Pastor dragg'd a victim by;
Still scattering gifts and blessings as he past, To the blind pair his farewell alms he cast; His clinging
flock e'en here around him pray'd 'As thou hast aided us be God thine aid.' Nor taunts, nor bribe of
mitred rank, nor stake, nor blows nor flames his heart of firmness shake. Serene -- his folded hands,
his upward eyes, Like holy Stephen's, seek the opening skies; There fix'd in rapture, his prophetic
sight Views Truth dawn clear on England's bigot night. Triumphant Saint! he bow'd and kissed the
rod, and soar'd on Seraph wing to meet his God.”

Monumental Inscriptions to Dr. Rowland Taylor
Aldham Common, Suffolk, England

th
Tuesday Morning, 6 December 1994, Pecheys Manor, Finchingfield, Essex
On this bright day, free of all the season’s usual greetings of cold, cloud, rain and snow, the
three of us departed for Finchingfield; my love was in need of fresh clothing; I in search of a
coat of arms; and Snuggles to continue his role of chaperone. It was a happy journey, full of
love and laughter, despite, the jealous cuckoo in the nest, doing his best to prevent any sign of
affection I did direct towards my beloved; whilst he welcomed her caresses with utmost
delight and spurned my own most vexingly! On our arrival, Elisabeth departed to change