 | The Poetical Works of Percival Stockdale |  |
381
[Here lies]
[_]
The following epitaph I wrote for General WASHINGTON, about three years before the death of that good, and great man; whose talents and virtues I had always respected, and admired. At this moment I extremely regret that the epitaph was so soon as applicable in time as in character.
The only part that could be changed, and corrupted,
of
GEORGE WASHINGTON;
a man, whose rare, and great
accomplishments
gained an accession of splendour
from the depraved and abandoned European age
in which he lived.
After he had saved the British colonies in America from tyranny, and slavery,
by his personal valour, and masterly knowledge of the art of war;
he long preserved them in peace, and prosperity,
by his political, moral, and religious virtues.
To dispassionate, distinguishing, and good minds,
it must be evident,
that his conduct had soared
to the utmost pitch
of
human excellence;
of which
he undoubtedly owed
not a little to himself;
yet much of it
to beings
of
very different ranks, and dispositions.
His GOD had endowed him with an uncommon rectitude of heart:
and with as uncommon a union of calmness, vigour, & elevation of mind:
and these inestimable qualities
were stimulated, and impelled,
to their full exertion, and display,
by the most iniquitous enemies,
and oppressours of his country.
| The Poetical Works of Percival Stockdale | |