Lines on the Death of a Lady

Transferr'd to heaven, Lavinia has no share In the dull movements of this world of care; Her blaze of beauty, still in death admir'd, A moment kindled, and at once expir'd; Sweet as the favourite offspring of the May, Serenely mild and innocently gay, Adorn'd with all that nature could impart To please the fancy and to gain the heart, Heaven ne'er above more innocence possess'd, Nor earth the shade of a diviner guest; A mind all virtue, flames descended here From some gay seraph of some brighter sphere; Yet not her virtues opening into bloom, Nor all her sweetness sav'd her from the tomb, From prospects darken'd, and the purpose cross'd, Misfortune's winter, and a lover lost; The heart of kindness, and the soul of love!— Ye thoughtless fair! her early death bemoan, And while you mourn her fate, think on your own.