- pride. William Birnie’s edifying work, recommending decorous and modest interment, The Blame of Kirk-buriall tending to perswade Cemiteriall Civilitie (1606) highlights the victory of death over pride: For many to eternize their soone forgot memory . . . hes prepared pyramides of pomp, others pillers of pride . . . As if such superciliosity could sweeten the bitter swarfes of their sowre death.