Classic Poem

Unblam'd, O sacred shrine! let me draw near;
A sister's ashes claim a brother's tear,
No semblant arts this copious spring supply,
'Tis Nature's drops, that swell in Friendship's eye:
O'er this sad tomb, see kneeling brothers bend,
Who wail a sister, that excell'd a friend;
A child like this each parent's wish engage,
Grace of his youth, and solace of his age:
Hence the chaste virgin learn each pious art
Who sighs sincere to bless a virtuous heart,
The faithful youth, when Heaven the choice inspires,
Such hope the partner of his kind desires.
Oh, early lost! yet early all fulfill'd
Each tender office of wife, sister, child;
All these in early youth, thou hadst obtain'd;
The fair maternal pattern yet remain'd,
Heav'n sought not that—else Heav'n had bid to spare;
To thine succeeds now Providence's care—
Amidst the pomp that to the dead we give
To soothe the vanity of those that live,
Receive thy destin'd place, a hallow'd grave,
'Tis all we can bestow, or thou can'st crave,
Be these the honours that embalm thy name,
The matron's praise, woman's best silent fame!
Such, to remembrance dear, thy worth be found,
When queens and flatterers sleep forgot around,
Till awful sounds shall break the solemn rest;
Then wake amongst the blest, for ever blest.
Meanwhile upon this stone, thy name shall live,
Sure Heaven will let this pious verse survive.