Lines Composed For A Memorial Of Ashley Cowper, Esq. Immediately After His Death, By His Nephew William Of Weston.
By William Cowper
Farewell! endued with all that could engage
All hearts to love thee, both in youth and age!
In prime of life, for sprightliness enrolld
Among the gay, yet virtuous as the old;
In lifes last stage (O blessings rarely found!),
Pleasant as youth with all its blossoms crownd;
Through every period of this changeful state
Unchanged thyselfwise, good, affectionate!
Marble may flatter, and lest this should seem
Oercharged with praises on so dear a theme,
Although thy worth be more than half supprest,
Love shall be satisfied, and veil the rest.