EPITAPH ON THOMAS PARNELL

THIS tomb, inscrib'd to gentle Parnell's name,

May speak our gratitude, but not his fame.

What heart but feels his sweetly-moral lay,

That leads to truth through pleasure's flowery way!

Celestial themes confess'd his tuneful aid;

And Heaven, that lent him genius, was repaid.

Needless to him the tribute we bestow —

The transitory breath of fame below:

More lasting rapture from his works shall rise,

While Converts thank their poet in the skies.