Classic Poem

H AIL , AND Farewell ! the parting word,
That Genius breath'd, and Friendship heard;
When He , whom distant worlds admir'd,
The Elegiac wreath inspir'd.
Could his uplifted thoughts be mine,
His glowing speech, and breathing line;
Could they — adorn , but still endear ,
Affliction's tributary tear;
Could an electric spirit's fire
Touch with his Eloquence the Lyre ,
This filial tear should never die;
Upon that Eagle's wing should fly,
And cherish the maternal claim,
Till birth , and life , should be a name .