Classic Poem

Blest Spirit! thou art fled to realms of Peace,
Where grief subsides, and apprehensions cease.
Why then are we sad images of pain,
When thy reward, is everlasting gain?
May we the like acceptance duly find,
Look forward to the goal, and be resign'd!
Friendship affords the tributary sigh,
The heart oppressed, and the streaming eye;
Yet thou no more canst pity e'er create,
Rais'd to a blissful and immortal state.
Hail, sacred Truth! these artless lays inspire,
With holy dictates and celestial fire;
Let them with energy, her gifts rehearse,
Whose excellence transcends the bounds of verse.
Record the seelings of her tender heart,
Which to her friends did sympathy impart;
Fix'd in her principles, yet not severe;
In thought sublime, and comprehension clear:
By her was Charity with grace bestow'd.
As from her breast the balm of pity flow'd.
With unaffected ease her ample soul,
Dispens'd Philanthropy from Pole to Pole.
The path of life with steady pace she trod,
Follow'd her Saviour, and relied on God:
The mercy which she sought, most freely gave,
Died with submission, yet defied the Grave.
Bright Luminary! now thy beams display
With pure effulgence in eternal day;
There may thy lustre undiminish'd shine.
Chang'd from a mortal, to a state Divine!