EPITAPH UPON GENERAL ATHERTON.
"Here lies our captain, and major,
Of Suffolk was withal,
A godly magistrate was he,
And major general.
Two troops of horse came here,
(Such love his worth did crave;)
Ten companies of foot also,
Mourning, marched to his grave.
Let all that read be sure to keep
The faith, as he has done.
He lives now crowned with Christ;
His name was Humphrey Atherton."
In order to understand the second, I must inform you, it is usual for boys, who expect christmas boxes, to present their masters' customers with a copy of verses, expressive of their good wishes, &c. The call-boy of the theatre, (a mechanic's son of this town,) had the following verses written in the usual style by the poet commonly employed on these occasions, and when printed, delivered one to each of the performers.—
"THE CALL-BOY OF THE THEATRE, FEDERAL-STREET, NEW YEAR'S WISH, 1797.
"Look up, worthy friends, from yonder bright hills
See how Phoebus smiles, to hail the new year:
I bring you a tribute—rejoice thus to find,
So many are living, and meet with us here.
"May health be confirm'd, and sickness remov'd;
May no sweeping flames take place in this state;
We sympathise deeply with neighbouring friends,
Whose cup has run over with this bitter fate.
"May teachers this day find help from above
To publish glad news, as heralds of grace,
While Zion is mourning her light shall break forth,
And shadows of midnight away from her chase.
"I wish through this year God's presence may smile
On all your just schemes at home or abroad;
I wish you his protection, by sea or by land;
May your theatrical works find favour in God.
[Footnote: The boy must surely mean the gods.]
"Gentlemen and ladies, accept these wishes sincere,
And I wish you all a happy new year."
Boston, January 1st, 1797.