The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction. Volume 13, No. 364, April 4, 1829

Dr. Johnson has dignified Gower with the character of THE FATHER OF ENGLISH POETRY ; so that no apology is required for the introduction of the above memorial in our pages. It stands in the north aisle of the church of St. Mary Ovrie, or St. Saviour, Southwark; and is one of the richest monuments within those hallowed walls. The tomb consists of three Gothic arches, the roof of which springs into several angles. The arches are richly ornamented with cinnquefoil tracery, roses, and carved work of exquisite character. Behind these arches are two rows of trefoil niches; and between them also rises a square column, of the Doric order, surmounted by carved pinnacles. On the extremity of the arches is placed richly carved foliage, of a similar character to that which ornaments the edges of the arches; and in the centre are circles enclosing quatrefoils. From the bases of the two middle square columns descend roses, and other foliage; and from the lower extremities of the interior arches descend cherubim. Within three painted niches, are the figures of Charity, Mercy, and Pity, round whom are entwined golden scrolls bearing the following inscriptions:
Pour la Pitie Jesu regarde .
Et tiens cest Ami en saufve Garde .
Jesu! for thy compassion's sake look down,
And guard this soul as if it were thine own.
On the second scroll is written:
Oh, bon Jesu! faite Mercy,
Al' Ame dont le Corps gist icy .
Oh! good Jesu! Mercy shew
To him whose body lies below.