on an empty grave

Here lies Nothing.

The impious Resurrectionist

At night dared to invade

This quiet spot, and upon it

Successful inroads made.

And when to relatives the fact

Distinctly did appear.

The stone was placed to tell the world,

There’s Nothing resting here.

A headstone placed on a grave where a snatched body should have been.

Recorded in 1843 for The Howff, Dundee.

Dane Love: Scottish Kirkyards. Hale, London