William Drummond of Hawthornden (1585–1649)

SWEET soul, which in the April of thy years

So to enrich the heaven mad’st poor this round,

And now with golden rays of glory crown’d

Most blest abid’st above the sphere of spheres;

If heavenly laws, alas! have not thee bound

From looking to this globe that all upbears,

If ruth and pity there above be found,

O deign to lend a look unto these tears.

Do not disdain, dear ghost, this sacrifice,

And though I raise not pillars to thy praise,

Mine offerings take; let this for me suffice,

My heart a living pyramid I raise;

And whilst kings’ tombs with laurels flourish green,

Thine shall with myrtles, and these flow’rs be seen.