Blaneys Last Directions

It is usualfor people in this country(out of pretended respectbut rather from an impertinent curiosity)to desire to seepersonsafter they aredead.

It is my earnest request that no personon any pretence whatevermay be permitted to see mycorpsebut those whounavoidably must.

I desire to be buriedin the north side of the churchyardof Tregynonsomewhere about the centremy coffin to be made in the mostplain and simple mannerwithout the usual fantastical decorationsand the moreperishable the materialthe better.

I desire that no undertakeror professed performer of funeralsmay be employed:but that I may be conveyedto the churchyardin some country hearswhich may be hired for the occasionand my corpseto be carriedfrom hearse to the graveimmediatelywithout going into the churchby six of the chief Tregynon tenantsto whom I give two guineas eachfor their trouble.

It is my earnes request and desireto have no upper bearersor any persons whateverinvited to my funeralwhich I desire may be at soearly an hour as will best preventa concourse of peoplefrom collecting together:the better sortI presume will not intrudeas there is noinvitation.

I have been present at the funeralsof three of my uncles at Morville.

I was pleased with the privacy and decencywith which all things were conducted:no strangers attendedall was doneby the servants of the family.

It is my earnest desire to follow these exampleshowever unpopularand thatno coachno escutcheonand no pomp of any kind may appear.

I trust that my executor will be well justifiedagainst the clamor and obloquyof mercenary peoplewhen he acts in performance of the last requestof a dying friendwho solemnly adjures him in the name of Godpunctually to observe these directions.codicilI likewise give to all my servantsfive guineas eachin lieu of all mourningwhich it is my desireno person may use on my account.