To Mrs Skerett

Of gentle manners, and enlighten’d mind,
Wert thou, Albinia, in thy youth’s soft prime,
When thrice ’twas ours, in converse free and kind,
Short space to gild of swiftly-passing time.

And with thy brother, to whose cultured youth
The classic Fanes their radiant stores display’d,
While warmth of heart, genius, and manly truth,
Then, as through life, his ardent spirit sway’d.

So once again, to blend the soul’s clear stream!
Charm’d would my sense that pleasing view discern,
But hope is cold on the presented theme,
And her dear hands a darken’d mirror turn.

Yet, friends esteem’d, to memory oft ye rise,
Bright from the past, as refluent pleasures cheer;
Though ye no more may glad these mortal eyes.
Far spent my day, and the long night is near!