INSCRIPTIONS

WRITTEN AT THE REQUEST OF SIR GEORGE BEAUMONT, BART., AND IN HIS NAME, FOR AN URN, PLACED BY HIM AT THE TERMINATION OF A NEWLY-PLANTED AVENUE, IN THE SAME GROUNDS

          YE Lime-trees, ranged before this hallowed Urn,
          Shoot forth with lively power at Spring's return;
          And be not slow a stately growth to rear
          Of pillars, branching off from year to year,
          Till they have learned to frame a darksome aisle;--
          That may recall to mind that awful Pile
          Where Reynolds, 'mid our country's noblest dead,
          In the last sanctity of fame is laid.
          --There, though by right the excelling Painter sleep
          Where Death and Glory a joint sabbath keep,                 10
          Yet not the less his Spirit would hold dear
          Self-hidden praise, and Friendship's private tear:
          Hence, on my patrimonial grounds, have I
          Raised this frail tribute to his memory;
          From youth a zealous follower of the Art
          That he professed; attached to him in heart;
          Admiring, loving, and with grief and pride
          Feeling what England lost when Reynolds died.
                                                              1808.