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 volume of his poems, and containing several pieces hitherto unpublished; with illustrative notes, and an account of the life of the author.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 |
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EPITAPH ON SIR JAMES SOOTY. |
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 | The poems and songs of William Hamilton of Bangour |  |
EPITAPH ON SIR JAMES SOOTY.
This unambitious stone preserves a nameTo friendship sanctified, untouch'd by fame,
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These sung a friend, by friendly zeal inspir'd.
No venal falsehood stain'd the filial tear
Unbought, unask'd, the friendly praise sincere;
Both for a good man weep; without offence,
Who led his days in ease and innocence,
His tear rose honest; honest rose his smile,
His heart no falsehood knew, his tongue no guile;
A simple mind with plain, just notions fraught,
Nor warp'd by wit, nor by proud science taught,
Nature's plain light still rightly understood,
That never hesitates the fair and good—
Who view'd self balanc'd from his calm retreat,
The storms that vex the busy and the great,
Unmingling in the scene, whate'er befel,
Pitied his suff'ring kind, and wish'd them well;
Careless if monarchs frown'd or statesmen smil'd,
His purer joy, his friend, his wife or child;
Constant to act the hospitable part,
Love in his look, and welcome in his heart,
Such unpriz'd blessings did his life employ,
The social moment, the domestic joy,
A joy beneficent, warm, cordial, kind,
That leaves no doubt, no grudge, no sting behind:
The heart-born rapture that from Virtue springs,
The poor man's portion, God withheld from kings;
This life at decent time was bid to cease,
Finish'd among his weeping friends in peace;
Go traveller, wish his shade eternal rest,
Go, be the same, for this is to be blest.
| The poems and songs of William Hamilton of Bangour | |