“When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world.
As I grew older and wiser I discovered the world would not change –
So I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country, But it too seemed immovable.
As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, But alas, they would have none of it.
And now I realize as I lie on my deathbed, if I had only changed myself first,
Then by example I might have changed my family.
From their inspiration and encouragement I would then have been able to better my country,
And who knows, I might have even changed the world.”
This is the inscription – dated 1100 AD – on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop in the crypts of Westminster Abbey.
Hat Tip to Dan Miller of 48 Days.com
They didn’t write English that way in AD 1100,
Alec
I think you are right. I would bet the language has been tweaked and updated through the years. If so, I’d love to see the original.