Inscription Por the Monument of Emma

Ah pass not yet. If thou dist ever know The tenderest touches of impassion'd woe! Pass not: if Truth, and Fortitude, and Love, Can stay thy footsteps, or thy spirit move! Pass not: if every elegance of soul Can charm thy senses, or thy steps controul Pass not: if more than Roman virtue, here With more than female softness, claim the tear. Nor pass, if heaven-born sympathy have art To urge the thrilling pulses of thy heart. But if, nor suffering worth thy soul can move, Nor the sweet impulse of a generous love; If fortitude, with glowing beauty join'd, Knows not the power to captivate thy mind; If health, if joy, devoted to the tomb, If life, laid down to ward a lover's doom; If patience, perseverance, ardour, truth, Blended with every charm of female youth; If these, and every virtue, every grace, Want power to melt the soul upon thy face: Then quickly pass—this hallowed spot forbear! THE FEELING HEART ALONE SHOULD TARRY HERE.