Blest be the hour that gave my Lydia birth,
The day be sacred‘ mid each varying year;
How oft the name recalls thy spotless worth,
And joys departed, still to memory dear!
If matchless friendship, constancy, and love,
Have power to charm, or one sad grief beguile.
‘ Tis thine the gloom of sorrow to remove,
And on that tearful cheek imprint a smile.
May every after season to thee bring
New joys; to cheer life's dark eventful way,
‘ Till time shall close thee in his pond'rous wing,
And angels waft thee to eternal day!
Lov'd maid, farewel! thy name this heart shall fill
‘ Till memory sinks, and all its griefs are still!