Retired from all the circles of the gay, With him, perhaps with her, (for men have known Content of heart, more praises still are due— VOL. VII. X EPITAPH ON DR. JOHNSON. HERE Johnson lies-a sage by all allow'd, Whose verse may claim-grave, masculine, and strong Superior praise to the mere poet's song; O man, immortal by a double prize, Jan. 1785. TO MISS C, ON HER BIRTHDAY. How many between east and west We can rejoice that she was born, And wish her born once more! 1786. GRATITUDE. ADDRESSED TO LADY HESKETH. THIS cap, that so stately appears, She gave it, and gave me beside, The ribbon with which it is tied. This wheel-footed studying chair, These carpets so soft to the foot, Secure from collision and dust, At which I oft shave cheek and chin, And periwig nicely adjust: This moveable structure of shelves, For its beauty admired and its use, And charged with octavos and twelves, The gayest I had to produce; Where, flaming in scarlet and gold, My poems enchanted I view, And hope, in due time, to behold My Iliad and Odyssey too: This china, that decks the alcove, Has ne'er been reveal'd to us yet : These curtains, that keep the room warm Or cool, as the season demands, Those stoves that for pattern and form Seem the labour of Mulciber's hands All these are not half that I owe To one, from our earliest youth, Benignity, friendship, and truth; Much less could he alter her mind. Thus compass'd about with the goods And chattels of leisure and ease, I indulge my poetical moods In many such fancies as these; : And fancies I fear they will seem Poet's goods are not often so fine; 1786. LINES COMPOSED FOR A MEMORIAL OF IMMEDIATELY AFTER HIS DEATH, BY HIS NEPHEW FAREWELL! endued with all that could engage All hearts to love thee, both in youth and age! In prime of life, for sprightliness enroll'd Among the gay, yet virtuous as the old; In life's last stage, (O blessings rarely found!) Pleasant as youth with all its blossoms crown'd; Through every period of this changeful state Unchanged thyself--wise, good, affectionate! Marble may flatter, and lest this should seem O'ercharged with praises on so dear a theme, Although thy worth be more than half supprest, Love shall be satisfied, and veil the rest. June, 1788. |