" Echo (says "White) has always been so amusing to the imagination that the poets have personified her; and, in their hands she has been the occasion of many a beautiful fiction. Nor need the gravest man be ashamed to appear taken with such a phenomenon, since it may become the subject of philosophical or mathematical inquiries.''^

Several members of the Nelson family are interred north of Mr. Brown^s residence. Upon the only tombstone remaining, are chiselled two open hands pointing to a heart, with the following inscription.

PALYCARPES

NELSON

WAS BORN

IVLY21 ABOT-4-

A • CLOCK • IN • THE • MO

RNING • IN • THE • YEAR

1688 • I • FINNIST • MY • CORS

AND • aVIT • THE • LAND • IN .

WITNES • HEREOF • MY • HART . MY

HAND • DESESED • DESKMBER 19

1738.

The neighboring property was formerly vested in the Budd family, whose surname it still retains. The last member that occupied the estate was Col. Gilbert Budd, who served with great distinction in the continental army during the Revolution. This gentleman was the son of Underbill Budd of Budd's neck. Rye. The family cemetery is situated on that portion of the estate whicfi borders the Sheldrake, to the north of the village.

* White's Selborne.

COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 307

Here repose the remains of

Gilbert Budd,*

who died Oct. 14th, 1805,

aged 87 years.

Whoe'er thou art, with silent footsteps tread The hollow mould where he reclines his head; Let not thoughtless mirth one dear deny. But pensive, pause, where truth and honour he. His the gay wit that fond attention drew, Oft heard delighted by the friendly few.; The heart, that melted at another's grief ; The hand, in secret, that bestowed relief. Perhaps e'en now, from yonder realm of day.» To his lov^'d relatives he sends a ray : Pleased to behold affections like his own.