An iron-race the mountain-cliffs maintain, And while their rocky ramparts round they see, (As lawless force from confidence will grow) * * *** * * * SONNET ON THE DEATH OF MR. RICHARD WEST [49]. IN vain to me the smiling Mornings shine, And redd'ning Phoebus lifts his golden fire: The birds in vain their amorous descant join; Or cheerful fields resume their green attire: These ears, alas! for other notes repine, A different object do these eyes require: My lonely anguish melts no heart but mine; And in my breast the imperfect joys expire. Yet Morning smiles the busy race to cheer, To warm their little loves the birds complain: [49] Only Son of Lord Chancellor West, of Ireland. EPITAPH ON MRS. CLARKE. [This Lady, the Wife of Dr. Clarke, Physician at Epsom, died April 27, 1757; and is buried in the Church of Beckenham, Kent.] LO! where this silent marble weeps, She felt the Wound she left behind. Her infant Image here below Sits smiling on a Father's woe: Whom what awaits, while yet he strays A Pang, to secret sorrow dear; A Sigh; an unavailing Tear; With Life, with Memory, and with Love. EPITAPH ON SIR WILLIAM WILLIAMS [50]. [This Epitaph was written at the request of Mr. Frederick Montagu, who intended to have inscribed it on a Monument at Belleisle, at the siege of which this accomplished youth was killed, 1761; but from some difficulty attending the erection of it, this design was not executed.] HERE, foremost in the dangerous paths of fame, Young Williams fought for England's fair re nown; His mind each Muse, each Grace adorn'd his frame, Nor Envy dar'd to view him with a frown. At Aix, his voluntary sword he drew [51], There first in blood his infant honour seal'd; From fortune, pleasure, science, love he flew, And scorn'd repose when Britain took the field. [50] Sir William Peere Williams, bart. a Captain in Burgoyne's dragoons. [51] Sir William Williams, in the Expedition to Aix, was on board the Magnanime with Lord Howe; and was deputed to receive the ca pitulation. |