Poems on Several Occasions :: :: University of Virginia Library

Dear to the Wise and Good by All approv'd,
The Joy of Virtue, and Heaven's well-belov'd!
His Life inspir'd with every better Art,
A learned Head, clear Soul, and honest Heart.
Each Science chose his Breast her favourite Seat,
Each Language, but the Language of Deceit.
Severe his Virtues, yet his Manners kind,
A manly Form, and a Seraphic Mind.
So long he walk'd in Virtues even road,
In him at length, 'twas natural to do good.
Like Eden, his old Age (a Sabbath Rest!)
Flow'd without Noise, yet all around him blest!
His Patron, Jesus! with no Titles grac'd,
But that best Title, a good Parish Priest.

133

Peace with his Ashes dwell. And, Mortals, know,
The Saint's above; the Dust alone below.
The Wise and Good shall pay their Tribute here,
The modest Tribute of one Thought and Tear,
Then pensive Sigh, and say, “To me be given
By living thus on Earth, to reign in Heaven.”

Francis Thompson B. D. Senr. Fellow of Queen's Coll. Oxford, and Vicar of Brough 32 Years. He departed this Life Aug. 31. 1735. Aged 70.

The River Eden runs near Brough.