Elegy[;] Imitated from One of Arkenside's Blank-Verse Inscriptions

1. 1Near the lone pile with ivy overspread,
2. 2Fast by the rivulet's sleep-persuading sound,
3. 3Where 'sleeps the moonlight' on yon verdant bed--
4. 4O humbly press that consecrated ground!

1. 5For there does Edmund rest, the learnéd swain!
2. 6And there his spirit most delights to rove:
3. 7Young Edmund! fam'd for each harmonious strain,
4. 8And the sore wounds of ill-requited Love.

1. 9Like some tall tree that spreads its branches wide,
2. 10And loads the West-wind with its soft perfume,
3. 11His manhood blossom'd; till the faithless pride
4. 12Of fair Matilda sank him to the tomb.

1. 13But soon did righteous Heaven her Guilt pursue!
2. 14Where'er with wilder'd step she wander'd pale,
3. 15Still Edmund's image rose to blast her view,
4. 16Still Edmund's voice accus'd her in each gale.

1. 17With keen regret, and conscious Guilt's alarms,
2. 18Amid the pomp of Affluence she pined;
3. 19Nor all that lur'd her faith from Edmund's arms
4. 20Could lull the wakeful horror of her mind.

1. 21Go, Traveller! tell the tale with sorrow fraught:
2. 22Some tearful Maid perchance, or blooming Youth,
3. 23May hold it in remembrance; and be taught
4. 24That Riches cannot pay for Love or Truth.