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* * * * * CAN I forget the dismal night that gave | |
| My soul’s best part forever to the grave? | |
| How silent did his old companions tread, | |
| By midnight lamps, the mansions of the dead, | |
| Through breathing statues, then unheeded things, | 5 |
| Through rows of warriors and through walks of kings! | |
| What awe did the slow solemn knell inspire, | |
| The pealing organ and the pausing choir, | |
| The duties by the lawn-robed prelate paid, | |
| And the last words that dust to dust conveyed! | 10 |
| While speechless o’er thy closing grave we bend, | |
| Accept these tears, thou dear departed friend! | |
| O, gone forever! take this long adieu, | |
| And sleep in peace next thy loved Montague. * * * * * | |
| Oft let me range the gloomy aisles alone, | 15 |
| Sad luxury! to vulgar minds unknown; | |
| Along the walls where speaking marbles show | |
| What worthies form the hallowed mould below: | |
| Proud names! who once the reins of empire held, | |
| In arms who triumphed, or in arts excelled; | 20 |
| Chief’s graced with scars and prodigal of blood, | |
| Stern patriots, who for sacred freedom stood, | |
| Just men, by whom impartial laws were given, | |
| And saints, who taught and led the way to heaven. | |
| Ne’er to these chambers, where the mighty rest, | 25 |
| Since their foundation came a nobler guest, | |
| Nor e’er was to the bowers of bliss conveyed | |
| A fairer spirit or more welcome shade. * * * * * | |
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