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Alexander Pope (1688–1744). Complete Poetical Works. 1903.

Epitaphs

On Mr. Gay

In Westminster Abbey, 1730

OF Manners gentle, of Affections mild;

In Wit a man; Simplicity a child:

With native Humour temp’ring virtuous Rage,

Form’d to delight at once and lash the age:

Above temptation, in a low estate,

And uncorrupted ev’n among the Great:

A safe Companion, and an easy Friend,

Unblamed thro’ life, lamented in thy End.

These are thy Honours! not that here thy bust

Is mix’d with Heroes, or with Kings thy dust:

But that the Worthy and the Good shall say,

Striking their pensive bosoms—‘Here lies GAY!’