Classic Poem

Were but this marble vocal, there
Such an elogium would appear,
As might, though truth did dictate, move
Distrust in either Faith or Love;
As ample knowledge as could rest
Enshrined in a mortal's breast,
Which ne'ertheless did open lie,
Uncovered by humility;
A heart, which piety had chose
To be her altar, whence arose
Such smoking sacrifices, that
We here can only wonder at;
A honey tongue, that could dispense
Torrents of sacred eloquence,
And yet how far inferior stand
Unto a learned curious hand?
That 'tis no wonder, if this stone,
Because it cannot speak, doth groan;
For could mortality assent,
These ashes might prove eloquent.