[Page 214]

AN EPITAPH,

1 IF beauty's fairest form, and each bright charm,
2 That with soft love th' enamour'd soul does warm;
3 If sprightly fancy with sound judgment join'd;
4 Good nature, sweet deportment, sense refin'd;
5 And what we highest prize, a virtuous mind;
6 If conduct blameless, and unblemish'd life,
7 In every state of virgin, widow, wife;
8 Amidst a world of follies, flatt'ries, cares, and strife;
9 If nicest honour, spotless purity,
10 Firm faith, fair hope, and boundless charity;
11 Unerring prudence, strict regard to truth;
12 And deathless fame acquir'd in bloom of youth;
13 If these, or any grace, had power to save
14 The best of wives and women from the grave:
15 If all men's wishes, and the husband's pray'r;
16 The force of drugs, or wise physician's care,
17 Cou'd respite righteous heaven's severe decree,
18 To rend a blessing from the world and me;
19 Then, rueful Pancras, none had ever read
20 Maria's honour'd name among thy dead.

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Title (in Source Edition): AN EPITAPH,
Author: Caleb Smith
Themes: marriage
Genres: epitaph
References: DMI 31265

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Mendez, Moses. A collection of the most esteemed pieces of poetry: that have appeared for several years. With variety of originals, by the late Moses Mendez, Esq; and other contributors to Dodsley's collection. To which this is intended as a supplement. London: printed for Richardson and Urquhart, 1767, p. 214. [8],320p. ; 8⁰. (ESTC T124631; DMI 1073; OTA K099398.000) (Page images digitized from a copy in the Bodleian Library [Harding C 148].)

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