Epitaph On Thomas Parnell

THIS tomb, inscrib’d to gentle Parnell’s name, May speak our gratitude, but not his fame. What heart but feels his sweetly-moral lay, That leads to truth through pleasure’s flowery way! Celestial themes confess’d his tuneful aid; And Heaven, that lent him genius, was repaid. Needless to him the tribute we bestow— The transitory breath of fame below: More lasting rapture from his works shall rise, While Converts thank their poet in the skies.