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46

ELEGY II. ON THE DEATH OF A YOUNG LADY.

Επαιαζουσιν Ερωτες.
Bion. Epitaph. Adon.

If ever Poet breathes a gen'rous strain,
If ever Pity heaves the tend'rest sighs,
It is, when virtuous youth is doom'd to pain;
It is, when blooming beauty droops and dies.
But if with youth, with beauty were combin'd
The sweetest flow'r of genius op'ning fair;
The softest manners, and the purest mind;
Heroes might weep, and saints let fall a tear.
Take then, oh earth! take to thy clay-cold bed,
Beauty and youth, as rich as earth can send;
And take the tear, tear softer ne'er was shed,
Of father, mother, brother, sister, friend.

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But long thou must not hold that beauteous clay;
That virtuous maid more lovely still shall rise;
What's born of heav'n shall spring to endless day;
Beauty may fade, but virtue never dies.