O DEAREST daughter, of two dearest friends, To thee my muse this little tale commends. Loving and loved, regard thy future mate, Long love his person, though deplore his fate; Seem young when old in thy dear husband's arms, For constant virtue has immortal charms. And, when I lie low sepulchred in earth, And the glad year returns thy day of birth, Vouchsafe to say, 'Ere I could write or spell, The bard, who from my cradle wished me well, Told me I should the prating sparrow blame, And bade me imitate the turtle's flame.' | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SECRECY PROTESTED by THOMAS CAREW A BALLADE OF SUICIDE by GILBERT KEITH CHESTERTON IMMORTALITY by GEORGE WILLIAM RUSSELL THE SECOND COMING by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS FRAGMENTS INTENDED FOR DEATH'S JEST-BOOK: SACRIFICE SELF-COMPENSATED by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES A SONG OF APPLE-BLOOM by GORDON BOTTOMLEY A SOLILOQUY ON READING THE 5TH AND 8TH VERSES OF THE 37TH PSALM by JOHN BYROM |