Classic Poem

IN THE CHURCHYARD OF LONGSIDE .

Here lies, consign'd a while to promis'd rest,
In hopes to rise again among the blest,
The precious dust of one, whose course of life
Knew neither fraud, hypocrisy, nor strife:
A Husband loving, and of gentle mind;
A Father careful, provident and kind;
A Farmer active, from no sordid view;
A Christian pious, regular, and true:
One who, in quiet, trod the private stage
Of rural labour, to a ripe old age.
Lov'd by his neighbours, honour'd by his own;
Liv'd without spot, and died without a groan.

Long may his humble virtues be rever'd;
Long be his name remember'd with regard;
And long may Agriculture's school produce
Such honest men as A LEXANDER B RUCE .