Poems, elegies, paradoxes, and sonets

AN ELEGY

Occasioned by the losse of the most incompara∣ble Lady Stanhope, daughter to the Earl of Northumberland.

LIghtned by that dimme Torch our sorrow bears We sadly trace thy Coffin with our tears; And though the Ceremonious Rites are past Since thy fair body into earth was east; Though all thy Ha••chments into ragges are torne, Thy Funerall Robes and Ornaments outworn; We still thy mourners without Shew or Art, With solemn Blacks hung round about our heart, Thus constantly the Obsequie•• renew Which to thy precious ••••mory are due.

Yet think not that we rudely would invade The dark recess of thine untroubled shade, Or give disturbance to that happy peace Which thou enjoy'st at full since thy release; Much less in fullen murmurs do complain Of His decree who too•• thee back again,

And did e're Fame had spread thy vertues light, Eclipse and fold thee up in endless night. This like an act of envy not of grief Might doubt thy bliss, and shake our own belief, Whose studi'd wishes no proportion bear With joyes which crown thee now in glories sphere.

Know then blest Soul! we for our selves not thee Seal our woes dictate by this Elegie: Wherein our tears united in one streame Shall to succeeding times convey this theme, Worth all mens pity who discern how rare Such early growths of fame and goodness are. Of these part must thy sexes loss bewail Maim'd in her noblest Patterns through thy fail; For 'twould require a double term of life To match thee as a daughter or a wife: Both which Northumberlands dear loss improve And make his sorrow equal to his love. The rest fall for our selves, who cast behind Cannot yet reach the Peace which thou dost find; But slowly follow thee in that dull stage Which most untimely poasted hence thy age.

Thus like religious Pilgrims who designe A short salute to their beloved Shrine, Most sad and humble Votaries we come To offer up our sighs upon thy Tomb, And wet thy Marble with our dropping eyes Which till the spring which feedstheir current drie•• Resolve each falling night and rising day This mournfull homage at thy Grave to pay.

FINIS.