On The Death Of The Rev. Mr. Walker

WHAT means, alas! that sudden burst of tears?
Oh Death! no common victim dost thou crave;
No vulgar spirit mounts th' ethereal spheres,
Veil'd is a star of Genius in the grave.
And art thou gone, my Muse's fost'ring friend!
Oh! could I catch thy own poetic flame!
Might one inspiring ray on me descend!
Then would I pay due tribute to thy fame:
But in thy works thy soaring fame shall live,
Learning and Taste their vot'ry long shall mourn;
The sons of Science shall their praises give,
And wreaths unfading grace thy sacred urn.
Ye mourners who in deep, domestic grief,
A Husband's and a Father's loss deplore,
Oh! might the sigh of Friendship yield relief,
Till soothing time shall tranquil thoughts restore.
Think on the virtues that adorn'd his mind!
What themes of rapture now that mind employ!
By earthly vehicle no more confin'd,
For temp'ral suff'ring gains eternal joy.
All gracious GOD! before thy throne we bend,
Our will to thine we bow with hearts submiss;
At thy command resign each mortal friend,
In hope to join them in immortal bliss.