The clotted gore. I, with what speed the while, (Gaza is not in plight to say us nay,)

Will send for all my kindred, all my friends,

To fetch him hence, and solemnly attend

With silent obsequy, and funeral train,

Home to his father's house: there will I build him
A monument, and plant it round with shade
Of laurel ever green, and branching palm,
With all his trophies hung, and acts inroll'd
In copious legend, or sweet lyrick song.
Thither shall all the valiant youth resort,
And from his memory inflame their breasts
To matchless valour, and adventures high:
The virgins also shall, on feastful days,
Visit his tomb with flowers; only bewailing
His lot unfortunate in nuptial choice,
From whence captivity and loss of eyes.
Chorus. All is best, though we oft doubt

What the unsearchable dispose

Of highest Wisdom brings about,
And ever best found in the close.

Oft he seems to hide his face,
But unexpectedly returns,

And to his faithful champion hath in place
Bore witness gloriously; whence Gaza mourns,

And all that band them to resist

His uncontrollable intent;

His servants he with new acquist

Of true experience, from this great event
With peace and consolation hath dismist,
And calm of mind all passion spent.

1758

LYCIDAS:

A

MONODY.