Page:The Poetical Works of Thomas Parnell (1833).djvu/28

xii Amid his orchard trees he may be found An old man late return'd, where he was seen Sporting a child upon the village green. How many a changeful year had pass'd between, Blanching his scattered hairs—yet leaving there A heart kept young by piety and prayer; That to the inquiring friend could meekly tell, "Be not for me afflicted— it is well: For in my great integrity I fell. 'Twas in my great integrity I made The choice that sends me to my native shade."

Lo! Themis hall!—there the coif'd serjeant draws Through winding eloquence the Norman laws. Yet Justice there, severely kind, repairs The widow's wrongs, and dries the orphan's tears. Leans with delight on Eldon's honoured name (So wise his counsel, so mature his fame), And owns (forgot the breath of public rage) The more than Hardwicke of a later age. Time-honour'd thou shalt be!—and though thy years May now speak no continuance, and the fears Of good men hang around thee — though a line, Written by me, shall meet no eye of thine: Yet will I in my gratitude, thy name (Oh! that my verse were lasting, and that fame Went with it), unto all in praise proclaim. While others speak thee, wise and learn 'd, of law