 | The poems (1969) |  |
695
22 Epitaph
[on Thomas Parnell]
This tomb, inscribed to gentle Parnell's name,May speak our gratitude, but not his fame.
What heart but feels his sweetly-moral lay,
That leads to truth through pleasure's flowery way?
Celestial themes confessed his tuneful aid;
And Heaven, that lent him genius, was repaid.
Needless to him the tribute we bestow,
The transitory breath of fame below:
More lasting rapture from his works shall rise,
While converts thank their poet in the skies.
| The poems (1969) | |