Busby, Richard

In Latin: See! underneath, lies the image of Busby: such as he appeared to human eyes. If you desire to see that part of him more deeply impressed in their minds, thoughtfully survey the shining characters of both universities, and the law, in the court, the parliament and the church. When you have viewed around such a full-sown and plenteous harvest of ingenious men; only consider what he must have been who sowed it. This must be he, who, the natural genius in everyone nicely discovered, usefully managed and happily improved. This he, who, by his instructions, so formed and nourished the minds of youth, that they learned to grow wise, as they learned language; and while they were educated as boys, they improved as men. As many as taught by him appeared in public, so many faithful and strenuous asserters were raised to the monarchy and the Church of England. Lastly whatever fame the School of Westminster boasts, and whatever advantages mankind shall reap from thence, is principally owing to Busby, and will be owing to him in all ages. So useful a member of the Commonwealth, God was pleased to bless him with length of days and increase of riches. And in return, he cheerfully devoted himself and his [wealth] for the promotion of piety, to relieve the poor, to encourage learning, to repair churches. These were his ways of enjoying wealth; and what he did not employ in his life-time to this purpose, he bequeathed at his death. [On the plinth]: Richard Busby of Lincolnshire, S.T.P. [Professor of Sacred Theology]. Born at Lutton 1606 Sep. 22. Head Master of Westminster School 1640 Dec. 23. Installed Prebendary in the Church of Westminster 1660 Jul. 5. Installed Treasurer at Wells [Cathedral] 1660 Aug. 11. Died 1695 Apr. 5. [Translation courtesy of Westminster Abbey.]