INSCRIPTION
FOR A MONUMENT IN CROSTHWAITE CHURCH, IN THE VALE OF KESWICK
INSCRIPTION
YE vales and hills whose beauty hither drew The poet’s steps, and fixed him here, on you His eyes have closed! And ye, loved books, no more Shall Southey feed upon your precious lore, To works that ne’er shall forfeit their renown, Adding immortal labours of his own– Whether he traced historic truth, with zeal For the State’s guidance, or the Church’s weal, Or Fancy, disciplined by studious art, Informed his pen, or wisdom of the heart, 10 Or judgments sanctioned in the Patriot’s mind By reverence for the rights of all mankind. Wide were his aims, yet in no human breast Could private feelings meet for holier rest. His joys, his griefs, have vanished like a cloud From Skiddaw’s top; but he to heaven was vowed Through his industrious life, and Christian faith Calmed in his soul the fear of change and death. 1843.