Roger Crab

Roger Crab (1621 - September 11 1680) was a political writer and "ethical vegetarian". He served in Oliver Cromwell's army for seven years.

Related Topics:
1621 - September 11 - 1680 - Oliver Cromwell

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He set up as haberdasher (of hats) in Buckinghamshire. He ended his days as a hermit in 1680 having lived on a low income in Bethnal Green, on three farthings a week, on a diet of "bran, herbs, roots, dock-leaves, mallows, and grass".

Related Topics:
Haberdasher - Buckinghamshire - Hermit - 1680 - Bethnal Green

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Imprisoned four times for "being a wizard".

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His tombstone has the following epitaph:

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'Tread gently, reader, near the dust

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Committed to this tomb-stone's trust:

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For while 'twas flesh, it held a guest

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With universal love possest:

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A soul that stemmed opinion's tide,

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Did over sects in triumph ride;

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Yet separate from the giddy crowd,

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And paths tradition had allowed.

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Through good and ill reports he past,

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Oft censured, yet approved at last.

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Wouldst thou his religion know?

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In brief 'twas this: to all to do

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Just as he would be done unto.

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So in kind Nature's law he stood,

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A temple, undefiled with blood,

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A friend to everything that 's good.

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The rest angels alone can fitly tell;

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Haste then to them and him; and so farewell!'

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