On The Death Of A Young Gentleman

THE bell has paused! to my reluctant ear
This mournful truth its awful accents tell;
Yon solemn train in silent sorrow bear
A youthful victim to the tomb's dark cell.
In vain the dawn of early genius rose,
In vain the nobler virtues of the heart
Began their opening beauties to disclose,
Death aim'd a slow, but ah! too sure a dart.
Those flattering presages of future worth,
Which graced his mind ere youth attain'd its prize,
So Heav'n decreed, but blossom'd here on earth,
To meet perfection in a purer clime.
Ye parents, who with sighs his fate deplore,
To you the Muse a tender tribute sends;
For you the tear shall pitying Friendship pour,
While 'neath the stroke meek Resignation bends.
Hope whispers to the soul, your Son yet lives,
Her soothing sounds shall bid your sorrows cease;
While heav'n-taught Faith the firm assurance gives,
To meet in realms of endless joy and peace.