University of Virginia Library

EPITAPH

On a DOG born at Rome, and brought by Lady S---y into England, from thence carried to her Ladyship's Family Seat in Wales, where he died.

In soft repose, beneath this Cambrian tomb,
Here lies—an ancient citizen of Rome:
And that great mistress of the world must own
Ne'er did she look upon a worthier son:
Not the Twelve Cæsars shew'd a soul more free,
Than shone, O venerable sage! in thee.
In her proud empire, all her chiefs around,
Not a more generous hero could be found.
By instinct taught to act a Roman part,
Fear trembled to approach thy dauntless heart;
No blood of Nero enter'd thy firm breast,
Yet bold as godlike Cato when oppress'd;
The first Dictator not more mild than thee,
Wise as Pompilius, gay as Anthony;
With Trajan kind and Pertinax the just,
Far from vile Cataline, should sleep thy dust.
Ev'n Pompey's generous slave, who gently bore
His master's headless body stain'd with gore,
Far from the strand to bathe it in the main,
When haughty Julius left it on the plain,
Not that good freed-man with a heart more brave
Than thine, a charge so lov'd, so dear would save.
Nor Decius' self, who for his country died,
Had more of glowing zeal or patriot pride.
Thanks to thy gentle mistress, thou wert brought
With all th' imperial, ancient graces fraught,
To this blest isle, from the Italian shore,
When Rome's primeval glories were no more;
As in thy native land thou here might see
Reviv'd, reform'd, the Roman Liberty;
Here was thy Freedom giv'n on Albion's coast,
And three great nations shall thy friendship boast.
England thy residence, Rome claims thy birth,
Thy ashes rest in Cambria's holy earth;
In that unconquer'd soil is rear'd thy shrine,
And near thy tomb, th' illustrious S---ys join!
Thrice honour'd Roman, 'twas thy happy fate,
To live and die amongst the Good and Great.