An upright heart, and noble mind had he.
But, ah! integrity can nought avail,
Nor innocence arrest the fleeting breath!
E’en purity like his we now bewail
Could not repel the pow’rful shaft of death.
That form which late with youthful vigour teem’d,
The fierce attack of sickness could not brave;
The eye in which bright animation beam’d,
Has lost its splendour in the silent grave.
Oh! Death, couldst thou not stay thine active arm,