Classic Poem

Wrote at the Request of a Gentleman upon the Death of his Lady, ten Months after their Marriage

I.

" Insatiate Death! — what! not to spare
So loving, so belov'd a Fair!
Thus early, in Life's blooming Flow'r,
A Victim to thy ruthless Pow'r!

II.

Cou'd not our Hymenael Love
Dissuade the Deed? thy Pitty move?
Alas! the cruel, fatal Day,
Which snatch'd my better Half away.

III.

To Me how weary, flat, and stale
Is further Life! an irksome Tale!
Not Time itself can yield Relief;
Mine is a Soul-substantial Grief. "

IV.

Thus plaintive mourns the widow'd Lord
Of fair E LISA — Muse afford
Thy friendly Balm; assist the Lay!
Sooth the Distraction of that Day.

V.

Take Comfort, thou afflicted Youth,
Tho' great thy Loss, (a painful Truth)
Thus Heav'n decrees; submissive bow;
Its Mandates rule Events below.

VI.

With equal Mind support your State;
The Muse, with healing Thought elate,
Foretells an early Comfort near,
Again shall bless a loving Fair.