Written
in
London
,
on
the
19th
of
March
1796.
A
lov'd
companion
,
chosen
friend
,
Does
at
this
hour
depart
,
Whom
the
dear
name
of
father
binds
Still
closer
to
my
heart
.
On
him
may
joy-dispensing
heav'n
Each
calm
delight
bestow
,
And
eas'd
of
peace-destroying
care
His
life
serenely
flow
!
Did
I
but
know
his
bosom
calm
,
And
free
from
anxious
fear
,
Around
me
in
more
cheerful
hues
Would
every
scene
appear
.
And
I
will
hope
that
he
,
who
ne'er
Repin'd
at
heav'n's
decree
,
But
ever
patient
and
resign'd
,
Submissive
bent
the
knee
:
Who
,
best
of
fathers
,
never
sought
For
arbitrary
sway
,
But
free
within
each
youthful
mind
,
Bade
Reason
lead
the
way
.
Who
taught
us
,
'stead
of
servile
fear
,
A
warm
esteem
to
prove
,
And
bade
each
act
of
duty
spring
,
From
gratitude
and
love
.
Yes
,
I
must
hope
that
generous
mind
With
many
cares
opprest
,
Shall
in
the
winter
of
his
days
With
sweet
repose
be
blest
.