Classic Poem

Address'd to E DMUND T RAHERNE , Esq. upon the much lamented Death of his amiable Lady .

I.

Muse afford thy wonted Aid,
Come, not smiling, fav'rite Maid;
Quit, O quit thy wanton Sport,
Well receiv'd of late at Court .

II.

Grief, the " Sorrow-loaded Sigh "
Now demands a wat'ry Eye;
Muse in elegiac Strain,
Sooth the good A MINTOR'S Pain.

III.

Alas! the cruel fatal Day,
Which M ELIORA snatch'd away;
And left you widow'd to deplore
The Loss of such a precious Store.

IV.

" How mild her Influence! " how refin'd!
What dear Perfections of the Mind!
But even Virtue's Self can't save
Her Vot'ry from an early Grave.

V.

To Heav'n's high Will submissive bow,
Such Blessings granted here below,
Are doom'd to take an early Flight,
Too rich for longer mortal Sight.

VI.

But, soft! a Beam of Hope appears,
A young A MINTOR , (bless his Years!)
Is giv'n to calm a Father's Grief,
O! may he long afford Relief!

VII.

May coming Time improve your Boy.
In ev'ry pleasing Heart-felt Joy;
May M ELIORA'S graceful Air,
Reflected in his Form appear.

VIII.

Long may you both continue here,
To Selves, to ev'ry Heart most dear;
And when remov'd to upper Light,
Grant M ELIORA joys your Sight.