To protect and to cherish the aged and helpless,
Her purse would be drawn, and its comforts expend;
When any misfortune were known for to hard press,
She’d find out the object and would them befriend.
Well may Brittons mourn, for tho’ in high station,
To enliven fair Commerce was always her care,
Her loss will be felt a long time by the Nation;
And sincere is the tear that is shed o’er her Bier.
Her donations were such as noted the sorrow,
She felt for the poor that were heard in distress;
And used for to say, I’ll assist them to morrow,
And try all my aid many cares to make less.
To England she’s left an example for others,
Which I hope will be copied till time is no more;
May all foreign nations, regard us as brothers,
And a free commerce gladden old Albion’s Shore.
to the memory
of an
AFFECTIONATE PARENT.
My pen can not describe or tears convey,
The pains I felt when late I bade farewell;
I view’d in death’s embrace a parent lay,
And heard the passing of the mournful bell.
Nine Month’s disease its ravages had made.
E’er death reliev’d her from all sufferings here;
I saw the Sexton with his Iron spade,
Mark out the spot, and place the gloomy bier.
Affecting scene! while recollection last,
I’ll trace the parting of our sad adieu;
Dwell on those scenes that are for ever past,
Tho’ in my mind it troubles fresh renew
Just before death had wield the fatel blow,
That stops the power of utterance or sigh;
She with a voice angelic soft and low,
Cried, Lord! forgive me e’er my spirit fly.
Oft have I seen my virtuous parent stray,
O’er her lov’d garden pensive and forlorn;
To cull the flowers each succeeding day,
And view the beauties of a summer’s morn.