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1735–1803

EPITAPH

James Beattie

O thou! whose steps in sacred reverence tread These lone dominions of the silent dead; On this sad stone a pious look bestow, Nor uninstructed read this tale of woe;

And while the sigh of sorrow heaves thy breast, Let each rebellious murmur be supprest; Heaven's hidden ways to trace, for us, how vain! Heaven's wise decrees, how impious, to arraign!

Pure from the stains of a polluted age, In early bloom of life, they left the stage: Not doom'd in lingering woe to waste their breath, One moment snatch'd them from the power of Death:

They liv'd united, and united died; Happy the friends whom Death cannot divide!

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EPITAPH · James Beattie · Poetry Cove