ODE On the DEATH of Dr. FRANKLIN

The fairest flow'rets bring In all their vernal bloom, And let the sweets of spring Adorn great Franklin's tomb. The patriot's toil is done, At length his labours cease; The unfading crown is won, His sun descends in peace,

The sons of science grieve, Each patriot heaves a sigh, Yet scarcely can believe Such worth could ever die. No! deathless is that name, Whose glory must increase, And Franklin's splendid fame, With time alone can cease.

While nimble light'nings fly, While awful thunders roll, While metoors gild the sky, And dart from pole to pole, Mankind will still admire, When Franklin's name they hear, Who snatch'd celestial fire, And broke th' oppressor's spear.

Thro' ev'ry future age, Whilst hist'ry holds her pen, She'll rank our honour'd sage Among the first of men; And when she counts her sons, Who've earn'd immortal fame, Shall next to Washington's, Record great Franklin's name.