IV.
"This monument was erected by Col. Edward Digges to the memory
of a most indulgent father, the Hon
ble Col. Digges, Esquire, who being
many years one of his Majesty's Hon
ble Council for this Colony, and
some time President of the same, died in the 53d year of his age, and in
the year of our Lord 1744.
"Digges, ever to extremes untaught to bend;
Enjoying life, yet mindful of his end.
In thee the world an happy meeting saw
Of sprightly humour and religious awe.
Cheerful, not wild; facetious, yet not mad;
Though grave, not sour; though serious, never sad.
Mirth came not, call'd to banish from within
Intruding pangs of unrepented sin;
And thy religion was no studied art
To varnish guilt, but purified the heart.
What less than a felicity most rare
Could spring from such a temper and such care?
Now in the city, taking great delight,
To vote new laws, or old interpret right;
Now crowds and business quitting, to receive
The joys content in solitude can give.
With equal praise thou shone among the great,
And graced the humble pleasures of retreat;
Display'd thy dignity on every scene,
And tempted or betray'd to nothing mean.
Whate'er of mean beneath it lies,
The rest unstain'd is claimed by the skies."
