In Memoriam

How blessed with thee the path could I have trod
  Of quiet life, above cold want's hard fate,
  (And little wishing more) nor of the great
  Envious, or their proud name; but it pleased GOD
  To take thee to his mercy: thou didst go
  In youth and beauty to thy cold death-bed;
  Even whilst on dreams of bliss we fondly fed,
  Of years to come of comfort! Be it so.
  Ere this I have felt sorrow; and even now,
  Though sometimes the unbidden tear will start,
  And half unman the miserable heart,
  The cold dew I shall wipe from my sad brow,
  And say, since hopes of bliss on earth are vain,
  Best friend, farewell, till we do meet again!