When history bold, impartial and sublime,
Rises majestic from the wreck of time,
And brings by truth's fair light to life anew
The pride of war — the pride of senates too. —
Brings the grave champion with unwearied breath,
And the firm phalanx — scarcely broke in death!
Then may she say, that P ITT with honour clear
Toil'd for his country with a zeal sincere!
If some few shades of error might be seen
Which clouds on earth, ev'n wisdom's light serene,
Blends with the fairest scheme — the noblest plan
And ever mingles with the works of man.
Yet all must own that loyalty possess'd
A fearless place in P ITT'S undaunted breast;
And eloquence; with all its stores combin'd,
Grac'd the rich powers of his capacious mind.
And oh! — when feeble nature met that hour
Which comes to greatness with a twofold power
Death coa'd not boast — for more than grandeur part
Was humble faith prevailing at the last, —
Imperious death — let this restrain thy pride
The christian triumph'd — when the statesman diet.