UPON PERUSING THE FOREGOING EPISTLE THIRTY YEARS AFTER ITS COMPOSITION
SOON did he Almighty Giver of all rest Take those dear young Ones to a fearless nest; And in Death’s arms has long reposed the Friend For whom this simple Register was penned. Thanks to the moth that spared it for our eyes; And Strangers even the slighted Scroll may prize, Moved by the touch of kindred sympathies. For–save the calm, repentance sheds o’er strife Raised by remembrances of misused life, The light from past endeavours purely willed 10 And by Heaven’s favour happily fulfilled; Save hope that we, yet bound to Earth, may share The joys of the Departed–what so fair As blameless pleasure, not without some tears, Reviewed through Love’s transparent veil of years?