The Poetical Works Of the Right Honourable Lady M---y W---y M---e [i.e. Montagu] ::

ON THE DEATH OF Mrs. BOWES.

[_]

Written extempore on a card, in a great deal of company, Dec. 14. 1724.

Hail happy bride, for thou art truly blest!
Three months of rapture, crown'd with endless rest.
Merit, like yours, was heaven's peculiar care,
You lov'd-yet tasted happiness sincere.
To you the sweets of love were only shewn,
The sure succeeding bitter dregs unknown;

You had not yet the fatal change deplor'd,
The tender lover, for the imperious lord:
Nor felt the pain that jealous fondness brings;
Nor felt the coldness, from possession springs.
Above your sex, distinguish'd in your fate,
You trusted—yet experienced no deceit;
Soft were your hours, and wing'd with pleasure flew;
No vain repentance gave a sigh to you:
And if superior bliss heaven can bestow,
With fellow angels you enjoy it now.

University of Virginia Library

ON THE DEATH OF Mrs. BOWES.