Classic Poem

ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. WM. M " EWEN .

M'Ewen gone! and shall the mournful Muse
A tear unto his memory refuse?
Forbid it, all ye powers that guard the just,
Your care his actions, and his life your trust.
The righteous perish! is M'Ewen dead?
In him Religion, Virtue's friend, is fled.
Modest in strife, bold in religion's cause,
He sought true honour in his God's applause.
What manly beauties in his works appear!
Close without straining, and concise though clear.
Though short his life, not so his deathless fame,
Succeeding ages shall revere his name.
Hail, blest immortal, hail! while we are tost,
Thy happy soul is landed on the coast,
That land of bliss, where on the peaceful shore
Thou view'st with pleasure, all thy dangers o'er;
Laid in the silent grave, thy honour'd dust
Expects the resurrection of the just.