On the Death of a Young Lady, Cousin to the Author, and Very Dear to Him

1. 1Hush'd are the winds, and still the evening gloom,
2. 2Not e'en a zephyr wanders through the grove,
3. 3Whilst I return to view my Margaret's tomb,
4. 4And scatter flowers on the dust I love.

1. 5Within this narrow cell reclines her clay,
2. 6That clay, where once such animation beam'd;
3. 7The King of Terrors seiz'd her as his prey;
4. 8Not worth, nor beauty, have her life redeem'd.

1. 9Oh! could that King of Terrors pity feel,
2. 10Or Heaven reverse the dread decree of fate,
3. 11Not here the mourner would his grief reveal,
4. 12Not here the Muse her virtues would relate.

1. 13But wherefore weep? Her matchless spirit soars
2. 14Beyond where splendid shines the orb of day;
3. 15And weeping angels lead her to those bowers,
4. 16Where endless pleasures virtuous deeds repay.

1. 17And shall presumptuous mortals Heaven arraign!
2. 18And, madly, Godlike Providence accuse!
3. 19Ah! no, far fly from me attempts so vain;--
4. 20I'll ne'er submission to my God refuse.

1. 21Yet is remembrance of those virtues dear,
2. 22Yet fresh the memory of that beauteous face;
3. 23Still they call forth my warm affection's tear,
4. 24Still in my heart retain their wonted place.