The poems and songs of William Hamilton of Bangour collated with the ms. volume of his poems, and containing several pieces hitherto unpublished; with illustrative notes, and an account of the life of the author. By James Paterson |
The poems and songs of William Hamilton of Bangour | ||
EPITAPH ON MR CUNINGHAME OF CRAIGENDS.
A son, a wife, bade the plain marble rise;Beneath the sacred shade a good man lies.
In Britain's senate long unblam'd he sat
And anxious trembled for her doubtful fate.
Above all giddy hopes, all selfish ends,
His country was his family and friends.
Children! weep not, thus cruelly bereft;
The fair example of his life is left;
Another far more lasting, safe estate
Than e'er descended from the rich and great;
Theirs fall to time or fortune soon a prey;
Or the poor gift of kings, kings snatch away:
Your blest succession never can be less,
Still as you imitate you still possess.
The poems and songs of William Hamilton of Bangour | ||