TO THE MEMORY OF WILLIAM SHENSTONE.
55
Her name shall be precious to us,
While her virtues we love and esteem.
While her virtues we love and esteem.
Ah, shepherds! our Corydon's flute
No longer is heard on the plain;
The voice which once charmed us is mute,—
Its sweet tones will ne'er soothe us again.
No longer is heard on the plain;
The voice which once charmed us is mute,—
Its sweet tones will ne'er soothe us again.
His picturesque sylvan retreat
May the loss of its master deplore,
And echo his name may repeat,
For his fostering care is no more!
May the loss of its master deplore,
And echo his name may repeat,
For his fostering care is no more!
If genius merits a sigh,
If goodness is worthy a tear,
Mild charity's pitying eye,
And justice to self still severe,—
If goodness is worthy a tear,
Mild charity's pitying eye,
And justice to self still severe,—
O, join us our shepherd to mourn!
For these were in him all combined;
Breathe a sigh, drop a tear, o'er his urn,
For his was a masterly mind.
For these were in him all combined;
Breathe a sigh, drop a tear, o'er his urn,
For his was a masterly mind.
