Classic Poem

On the Death of the Right Hounourable William Pitt

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.English