The mother, lovely, though with grief opprest, Reclined his dying head upon her breast. The mournful family stood all around; } One groan was heard, one universal sound: } All were in floods of tears and endless sorrow drowned. } So dire a sadness sat on every look, Even death repented he had given the stroke. He grieved his fatal work had been ordained, But promised length of life to those who yet remained. The mother's and her eldest daughter's grace, It seems, had bribed him to prolong their space. The father bore it with undaunted soul, Like one who durst his destiny controul; Yet with becoming grief he bore his part, Resigned his son, but not resigned his heart. Patient as Job; and may he live to see, Like him, a new increasing family! DAMON. Such is my wish, and such my prophecy; For yet, my friend, the beauteous mould remains; Long may she exercise her fruitful pains! But, ah! with better hap, and bring a race More lasting, and endued with equal grace! Equal she may, but farther none can go; For he was all that was exact below. MENALCAS. Damon, behold yon breaking purple cloud; Hear'st thou not hymns and songs divinely loud? There mounts Amyntas; the young cherubs play About their godlike mate, and sing him on his way. He cleaves the liquid air; behold, he flies, And every moment gains upon the skies. The new-come guest admires the ethereal state, The sapphire portal, and the golden gate; And now admitted in the shining throng, He shows the passport which he brought along. His passport is his innocence and grace, Well known to all the natives of the place. Now sing, ye joyful angels, and admire Your brother's voice that comes to mend your quire: Sing you, while endless tears our eyes bestow; For, like Amyntas, none is left below. ON THE DEATH OF A VERY YOUNG GENTLEMAN.