that I be buried in
an inexpensive, unostentatious, and strictly private manner; that no
public announcement be made of the time or place of my burial; that at
the utmost not more than three plain mourning coaches be employed; and
that those who attend my funeral wear no scarf, cloak, black bow, long
hat-band, or other such revolting absurdity. I DIRECT that my name be
inscribed in plain English letters on my tomb, without the addition of
'Mr.' or 'Esquire.' I conjure my friends on no account to make me the
subject of any monument, memorial, or testimonial whatever. I rest my
claims to the remembrance of my country upon my published works, and to
the remembrance of my friends upon their experience of me in addition
thereto. I commit my soul to the mercy of God through our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ, and I exhort my dear children humbly to try to
guide themselves by the teaching of the New Testament in its broad
spirit, and to put no faith in any man's narrow construction of its
letter here or there. IN WITNESS whereof I the said Charles Dickens, the
testator, have to this my last Will and Testament set my hand this 12th
day of May in the year of our Lord 1869.

"Signed published and declared by }
the above-named Charles Dickens the }
testator as and for his last Will and Testament }
in the presence of us (present together } CHARLES DICKENS.
at the same time) who in his presence }
at his request and in the presence of }
each other have hereunto subscribed our }
names as witnesses. }

"G. HOLSWORTH,
"26 Wellington Street, Strand.

"HENRY WALKER,
"26 Wellington Street, Strand.

"I, Charles Dickens of Gadshill Place near Rochester in the county of
Kent Esquire declare this to be a Codicil to my last Will and Testament
which Will bears date the 12th day of May 1869. I GIVE to my son Charles
Dickens the younger all my share and interest in the weekly journal
called 'All the Year Round,' which is now conducted under Articles of
Partnership made between me and William Henry Wills and the said Charles
Dickens the younger, and all my share and interest in the stereotypes
stock and other effects belonging to the said partnership, he defraying
my