Classic Poem

On seeing a once worthy character lying in a state of inebriation in the street.

I F loss of worth may draw the pitying tear,
Stop, passenger, and pay that tribute here —
Here lies, whom all with justice did commend,
The rich man's pattern, and the poor man's friend;
He cheer'd pale indigence's bleak abode,
He oft remov'd misfortune's galling load:
Nor was his bounty to one sect confin'd,
His goodness beam'd alike on all mankind;
Now, lost in folly, all his virtue's sleep,
Let's mind his former worth, and o'er his frailties weep.