Classic Poem

Adieu , dear name, which birth and Nature gave——
Lo! at the altar I've interr'd dear Cave,
For there it fell, expir'd, and found a grave.

Forgive, dear spouse, this ill-tim'd tear or two,
They are not meant in disrespect to you.
I hope the name, which you have lately giv'n,
Was kindly meant, and sent to me by heav'n,
But, ah! the loss of Cave I must deplore,
For that dear name the tend'rest mother bore.
With that she pass'd full forty years of life,
Adorn'd th' important character of wife:
Then meet for bliss, from earth to heav'n retir'd,
With holy zeal, and true devotion fir'd.

In me, what blest my father, may you find,
A wife domestic, virtuous, meek and kind.
What blest my mother may I meet in you,
A friend, and husband——faithful, wise, and true.

Then be our voyage prosp'rous, or adverse,
No keen upbraidings shall our tongues rehearse;
But mutually we'll brave against the storm,
Remembering still, for help-mates we were born.
Then let rough torrents roar, or skies look dark,
If love commands the helm which guides our bark,
No shipwreck will we fear, but to the end,
Each find in each, a just, unshaken friend.