An Elogy to the Memory of the late Wm. Palgrave, Esq., with Other Pieces

Transcribed from the early 1800’s edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org. Many thanks to Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library, UK, for kindly supplying the images from which this transcription was made.
By Jas. PARKERSON , Jun.
PRICE 1s.
late of COLTISHALL, IN THE COUNTY OF NORFOLK.
In passing through this vale of tears, That various scenes display; Ambition oft her standard rears, And mortals lead astray.
The anxious merchant counts his gain From vessels on the sea; They’re lost upon the watery main, And all his prospects flee.
Dejection seize his harrass’d mind, While struggling with dispair; Dame Fortune smiles and proves more kind, His spirits for to cheer.
Such is man’s losses—varied lot, To-day he counts his store, To-morrow breathless on the spot He pac’d the day before.
Let those who wish thro’ life’s short span, In heaven’s path to move; Copy the late departed man, Whom Death has call’d above.
Upon his word you might depend, Experience prov’d it true; He ever was the poor man’s friend, Before he bade adieu.
He always would afford relief To those who crav’d his aid; And felt for those annoy’d by grief ’Till Nature’s debt was paid.
As Magistrate, impartial steer’d His course in such a way, As made him honor’d and rever’d, Where prudence had her sway.