5 In Misery's darkest cavern known, His useful care was ever nigh; Where hopeless Anguish pour'd his groan, And lonely Want retired to die. 6 No summons, mock'd by chill delay; No petty gain, disdain'd by pride; The modest wants of every day, The toil of every day supplied. 7 His virtues walk'd their narrow round, Nor made a pause, nor left a void; And sure the Eternal Master found The single talent well employ'd, 8 The busy day--the peaceful night, Unfelt, unclouded, glided by; His frame was firm--his powers were bright, Though now his eightieth year was nigh. 9 Then with no fiery, throbbing pain, No cold gradations of decay, Death broke at once the vital chain, And freed his soul the nearest way. * * * * * EPITAPH ON CLAUDE PHILLIPS,[1] AN ITINERANT MUSICIAN. Phillips! whose touch harmonious could remove The pangs of guilty power and hapless love, Rest here; distress'd by poverty no more, Find here that calm thou gav'st so oft before; Sleep undisturb'd within this peaceful shrine, Till angels wake thee with a note like thine. [Footnote 1: 'Claude Phillips:' a Welsh travelling fiddler, greatly admired.] * * * * * EPITAPH ON SIR THOMAS HANMER, BART. Thou who survey'st these walls with curious eye, Pause at this tomb where Hanmer's ashes lie; His various worth through varied life attend, 3 And learn his virtues while thou mourn'st his end. His force of genius burn'd in early youth, With thirst of knowledge, and with love of truth; His learning, join'd with each endearing art, Charm'd every ear, and gain'd on every heart. Thus early wise, the endanger'd realm to aid, His country call'd him from the studious shade; 10 In life's first bloom his public toils began, At once commenced the senator and man. In business dexterous, weighty in debate, Thrice ten long years he labour'd for the state; In every speech persuasive wisdom flow'd, In every act refulgent virtue glow'd: Suspended faction ceased from rage and strife, To hear his eloquence, and praise his life. Resistless merit fix'd the senate's choice, Who hail'd him Speaker with united voice. 20 Illustrious age! how bright thy glories shone, While Hanmer fill'd the chair--and Anne the throne! Then when dark arts obscured each fierce debate, When mutual frauds perplex'd the maze of state, The moderator firmly mild appear'd-- Beheld with love, with veneration heard.