[Page [118]]

Written in London, on the 19th of March 1796.

1 A lov'd companion, chosen friend,
2 Does at this hour depart,
3 Whom the dear name of father binds
4 Still closer to my heart.
5 On him may joy-dispensing heav'n
6 Each calm delight bestow,
7 And eas'd of peace-destroying care
8 His life serenely flow!
9 Did I but know his bosom calm,
10 And free from anxious fear,
11 Around me in more cheerful hues
12 Would every scene appear.
[Page 119]
13 And I will hope that he, who ne'er
14 Repin'd at heav'n's decree,
15 But ever patient and resign'd,
16 Submissive bent the knee:
17 Who, best of fathers, never sought
18 For arbitrary sway,
19 But free within each youthful mind,
20 Bade Reason lead the way.
21 Who taught us, 'stead of servile fear,
22 A warm esteem to prove,
23 And bade each act of duty spring,
24 From gratitude and love.
25 Yes, I must hope that generous mind
26 With many cares opprest,
27 Shall in the winter of his days
28 With sweet repose be blest.

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Title (in Source Edition): Written in London, on the 19th of March 1796.
Author: (Mary) Matilda Betham
Themes:
Genres: ode

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Source edition

Betham, Mary Matilda, 1776-1852. Elegies and Other Small Poems, by Matilda Betham. Ipswich: Printed by W. Burrell, and sold by Longman, Paternoster-Row, and Jermyn and Forster, Ipswich, 1797, pp. [118]-119.  (ESTC T143264)

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