Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 8.djvu/247

Rh What could such scenes in noble minds beget, But life with pain and talents with regret? Add, that thy spirit from the world retir'd, Ere hidden foes its farther grief conspir'd; No treacherous friend did stories yet contrive, To blast the Muse he flatter'd when alive, Or sordid printer (by his influence led) Abus'd the fame that first bestow'd him bread. Slanders so mean, had he whose nicer ear Abhorr'd all scandal, but surviv'd to hear, The fraudful tale had stronger scorn supply'd, And he (at length) with more disdain had died. But since detraction is the portion here Of all who virtuous durst, or great, appear, And the free soul no true existence gains, While earthy particles its flight restrains, The greatest favour grimful Death can show, Is with swift dart to expedite the blow. So thought the dean, who, anxious for his fate, Sigh'd for release, and deem'd the blessing late. And sure if virtuous souls (life's travail past) Enjoy (as churchmen teach) repose at last, There's cause to think, a mind so firmly good, Who vice so long, and lawless power, withstood, Has reached the limits of that peaceful shore, Where knaves molest, and tyrants awe, no more; These blissful seats the pious but attain, Where incorrupt, immortal spirits reign. There his own Parnell strikes the living lyre, And Pope harmonious joins the tuneful choir;