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 volume of his poems, and containing several pieces hitherto unpublished; with illustrative notes, and an account of the life of the author.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 MRS COLQUHOUN OF LUSS. |
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 | The poems and songs of William Hamilton of Bangour |  |
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EPITAPH ON MRS COLQUHOUN OF LUSS.
Unblam'd, O sacred shrine, let me draw near,A sister's ashes claim a brother's tear,
No semblant arts this copious spring supply,
'Tis nature's drops, that swell in friendship's eye;
O'er this sad tomb, see kneeling brothers bend,
Who wail a sister, that excell'd a friend;
A child like this each parent's wish engage,
Grace of his youth and solace of his age:
Hence the chaste virgin learn each pious art
Who sighs sincere to bless a virtuous heart,
The faithful youth, when heaven the choice inspires,
Such hope the partner of his kind desires.
Oh early lost! yet early all fulfill'd
Each tender office of wife, sister, child:
All these in early youth, thou hadst obtain'd;
The fair maternal pattern yet remain'd,
Heaven sought not that—else heaven had bid to spare,
To thine succeeds now Providence's care—
Amidst the pomp that to the dead we give
To soothe the vanity of those that live,
Receive thy destin'd place, a hallow'd grave,
'Tis all we can bestow, or thou canst crave.
Be these the honours that embalm thy name,
The matron's praise, woman's best silent fame,
Such to remembrance dear, thy worth be found,
When queens and flatterers sleep forgot around,
'Till awful sounds shall break the solemn rest,
Then wake amongst the blest, forever blest.
Meanwhile upon this stone, thy name shall live,
Sure heaven will let this pious verse survive.
| The poems and songs of William Hamilton of Bangour | |