The Shamrock or, Hibernian Cresses. A Collection of Poems, Songs, Epigrams, &c. Latin as well as English, The Original Production of Ireland. To which are subjoined thoughts on the prevailing system of school education, respecting young ladies as well as gentlemen: with practical proposals for a reformation [by Samuel Whyte] |
 |
 |
|
|
|
INSCRIPTIONS, INTENDED FOR THE MONUMENT OF THOMAS PRIOR, ESQ |
| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | The Shamrock |  |
INSCRIPTIONS, INTENDED FOR THE MONUMENT OF THOMAS PRIOR, ESQ
I.
Form'd by the Hand of Heaven, with vast Design,To shew Mortality almost divine,
An Eye to see the sad, the deep Distress,
An Heart to pity, and a Hand to bless,
A Soul sincere, a Bounty unconfin'd,
The Friend to Virtue, Friend to Human-kind;
Such Prior was!—Ye, whom or Fate profound,
Or Chance, directs to tread this hallow'd Ground,
If Virtue claims Respect, stop, stop, and mourn,
And strew fresh Garlands o'er his honour'd Urn;
Still let his Name your grateful Bosoms charm,
His Deeds with glorious Emulation warm;
So kindred Worth once more may grace the Page,
And other Priors bless another Age!
182
II.
Whoever thou art,Whom Chance hath conducted to this Place of Sorrow,
Stop for a Moment,
And pay a Tear to the Memory of
THOMAS PRIOR:
A Man,
Who, without having been ever distinguished
By public Trust, or Employment,
Merited more of his Country,
Than any of his Time:
To his great Capacity,
To his unwearied Application,
The Public is indebted
Not only for the Improvement of all,
But, also, for the Invention of many,
Useful Arts:
He was a Man,
If ever there was such,
Strictly just;
Attached to no Party, but
A Friend to all;
Of Greatness no Way solicitous,
But as it gave him a larger Power of doing Good;
Nor any further desirous of Riches,
Than as they served him to relieve the Honest and Necessitous.
But,
To what Purpose
Does this Marble attempt
To enumerate his Virtues?
His unparalleled Integrity,
His Sanctity of Manners,
And
His unconfined Benevolence,
Have raised him a more lasting Monument
In the Hearts of his Countrymen.
| The Shamrock | |