Classic Poem

To the Memory of Mr Seaton.

O Muse! O Music! Voice and Lyre,
Which are together Psalm of Praise
From heav'n the kneeling bard inspire
New thoughts, new grace of utt'rance raise,
That more acceptable with Thee
We thy best service may begin
O thou that bent thine hallow'd knee,
And bless'd to bleed for Adam's sin.
Then did the Spirit of a Man
Above all height sublimely tow'r,
And then sweet Gratitude began
To claim Supremacy from Pow'r.
But how shall we those steps ascend,
By which the Host approach the Throne? —
Love thou thy brother and thy friend,
Whom thou on earth hast seen and known.
For Gratitude may make the plea
Of Love by Sisterhood most dear —
How can we reach the first degree
If we neglect a step so near?
So shall we take dear Seaton 's part
When paths of topmost heav'n are trod,
And pay the talent of our heart
Thrown up ten thousand fold to God.
He knew the art the World dispise
Might to his Merit be applied
Who when for man he left the skies
By all was hated, scorn'd, denied.
" The man that gives me thanks and laud
Does honour to my glorious name "
Thus God did David's works applaud,
And seal'd for everlasting fame.
And this for SEATON shall redound
To praise, as long as Camus runs;
Sure Gratitude by him was crown'd,
Who bless'd her Maker and her Sons.
When Spencer virtuous Sidney prais'd
When Prior Dorsett hail'd to heav'n;
They more by Gratitude were rais'd
Than all the Nine and all the Sev'n .
Then, O ye emulative tribe
Of Granta, strains divine persue;
The glory to the Lord ascribe,
Yet honour Seaton 's memory too.
The Throne of Excellence accost
And be the post of Pray'r maintain'd;
For Paradise had ne'er been lost
Had heav'nly Gratitude remain'd.