Epistle XXI. To Velius Cerelis.
by
the Same. [Mr. Henley]
[_]
On the Death of Two Sisters in Child-Bed.
I Deplore the sad and unhappy Fate of the Sisters of Helvidius!
Both expir'd, just after the Delivery of a Daughter. I am touch'd with a sensible,
tho' not an extravagant Sorrow at it; and think it a severe Lot, that two young Ladies of great Honour and Character,
are taken away by the Fruitfulness of Nature in the Bloom of Years. I am in Pain at the Infelicity of the Children (Orphans from their Nativity) as well as that of their very worthy Husbands,
and much likewise in a private Concern at it. For I preserve a constant Value,
even for the Memory of their deceas'd Father, as my Pleading and Books have testified.
One only of his Children now survives; the sole Prop of a Family, that lately rested upon more Supports.
Yet my Uneasiness will be extreamly softned, if Fortune shall keep him at least healthful and Secure;
and equal to such Ancestors. I am the more anxious for his Safety and Conduct,
since he is left alone: You know the Tenderness of my Soul in Point
of Affection, and the Power of my
Fears, so that you will be less surpriz'd, that I have the greatest Alarms,
where my Hopes are the most sanguine.