Note 406 — Chapter IV · The Closing Days of the Bishop of Lavaur. His Portrait at Villiers
Reading edition
The following is a rough literal translation of the epitaph. It makes no pretence to finish or metre, being merely intended to give the meaning.
“G Greatly fortunate in every enterprise: E Excelling in virtue, his familiar guide: O Of countenance at once gentle and proud: R Rich in all qualities required in a Prelate: G Governing duly the flocks in his Bishopric E Enclosed: the light of the people: S Sin’s enemy: of blameless life the friend: D Distinguished on all sides for his surpassing merits: E Esteemed and honoured by virtuous men: S Submissive to all, even to the undeserving: E Endued with all that which becomes a man: L Lieth here the Bishop of la Vaur, who by his V Virtue will live for ever, in peace E Eternal. And thus, O Traveller, disturb not his repose. The spirit of Selve to those on earth: It is not I, but you, who do not live: It is not you, but I, who am exempt from death: Nor I, nor you, but God, is the mighty and the strong: And you, and I, are servants of His Will.”