An Epitaph.
(Written on a chimney-board.)
Here lie entombed
THE ASHES
of a
BRIGHT AND SHINING GENIUS,
who
in his youth it is confessed
discovered some sparks
of a light and volatile nature,
but was in maturity
of a steady and a grateful disposition
and diffusive benevolence.
Though naturally of a warm temper,
and easily stirred up,
yet was he a shining example
of fervent and unreserved benignity.
For though he might have been
the most dangerous and dreadful
of enemies,
yet was he the best and warmest of
friends.
Nor did he ever look cool
even on his worst foes,
though his friends too often,
and shamefully indeed,
turned their backs upon him.
Oh! undeserving and licentious times,
when such illustrious examples
are wantonly made light of!
Such resplendent virtue
basely blown upon!
Though rather a promoter of a cheerful glass
in others,
and somewhat given to smoking,
yet was he himself never seen
in liquor,
which was his utter abhorrence.
Raking,
which ruins most constitutions,
was far from spoiling his,
though it often threw him
into inflammatory disorders.
His days, which were short,
were ended by a gentle decay,
his strength wasted,
and his substance spent.
A temporal period
was put to his finite existence,
which was more immediately effected
by his being seized
with a severe cold,
and no help administered,
in some of the warm days
of the fatal month of
May.
His loss and cheerful influence
are often and feelingly regretted
by his sincere admirers,
who erected this monument
in memory
of his endearing virtue,
till that grateful and appointed day,
when
the dormant powers
of his more illustrious nature
shall be again called forth:
When,
inflamed with ardour,
and with resplendence crowned,
he shall again rise
with
songs of joy and triumph
o’er the grave.
[87] Lempriere.
[88] Bayle, Art. Pericles, note.
[89] Dr. John Jones, “On the Truth of the Christian Religion.”
April 13.
Oxford and Cambridge Terms begin.