Epitaph

BENEATH (O late Enjoyment!) sleeps in Peace,
For the first Time, a young, unhappy Fair;
Blest was the Moment, when she found this Ease,
Her first of Pleasure, and her last of Care.

To One ill-omen'd Hour, and fatal Youth,
The undesigning Author of her Woes,
She gave ('twas all she had) unspotted Truth,
And gain'd at length ('twas all she ask'd) Repose.

No farther search into her hapless Lot,
Nor blame the Failings of her guardless Bloom;
Since Love unsullied decks the hallow'd Spot,
And stainless Virtue consecrates the Tomb.