University of Virginia Library

STANZAS,

UPON SEEING AN IMPERFECT SKETCH DESIGNED FROM MEMORY, FOR THE POWERFUL FEATURES OF THE LATE AND EVER LAMENTED PROFESSOR MC KEAN.

How vain the painter's classic aim,
To keep that clear, and glorious eye,
Whose rays from heaven's most hallowed flame,
Touched close on immortality.
As vain the peaceful smile to trace,
Which warm in life's affections grew,
And poured of soul a speaking grace,
To every mental feeling true.
Perfection not to man is given,
But thou Mc Kean, so kindly shone,
That loved by earth, and blessed by heaven,
Both claimed thy genius as their own.
Frail were the wish, that soaring mind,
These features to God's image near,
Like the winged Eagle, earth confined,
Were longer lent to languish here.