INSCRIPTIONS
IN THE GROUNDS OF COLEORTON, THE SEAT OF SIR GEORGE BEAUMONT, BART., LEICESTERSHIRE
INSCRIPTIONS
THE embowering rose, the acacia, and the pine, Will not unwillingly their place resign; If but the Cedar thrive that near them stands, Planted by Beaumont’s and by Wordsworth’s hands. One wooed the silent Art with studious pains: These groves have heard the Other’s pensive strains; Devoted thus, their spirits did unite By interchange of knowledge and delight. May Nature’s kindliest powers sustain the Tree, And Love protect it from all injury! 10 And when its potent branches, wide out-thrown, Darken the brow of this memorial Stone, Here may some Painter sit in future days, Some future Poet meditate his lays; Not mindless of that distant age renowned When Inspiration hovered o’er this ground, The haunt of him who sang how spear and shield In civil conflict met on Bosworth-field; And of that famous Youth, full soon removed From earth, perhaps by Shakspeare’s self approved, 20 Fletcher’s Associate, Jonson’s Friend beloved. 1808.