An elegy on the death of MONTGOMERY TAPPEN who dies at Poughkeepsie on the 20th of Nov. 1784 in the ninth year of his age. <br /> <br /> <br />The sweetest, gentlest, of the youthful train, <br />Here lies his clay cold upon the sable bier! <br />He scarce had started on life's varied plain, <br />For dreary death arrested his career. <br /> <br />His cheek might vie with the expanded rose, <br />And Genius sparkled in his azure eyes! <br />A victim so unblemish'd Heaven chose, <br />And bore the beauteous lambkin to the skies. <br /> <br />Adieu thou loveliest child! Adieu adieu! <br />Our wishes fain would follow thee on high. <br />What more can friendship - what more fondness do, <br />But drop the unbidden tear & heave the sigh? <br /> <br />Ye youths whose ardent bosoms virtue fires, <br />Who eager wish applause and pant for fame, <br />Press round MONTGOMERY'S hearse, the NAME inspires <br />And lights in kindred souls its native flame. <br /> <br />COLUMBIA grateful hails the tender sound <br />And when MONTGOMERY'S nam'd still drops a tear, <br />From shore to shore to earth's remotest bound <br />Where LIBERTY is known that NAME is dear.<br /><br />Henry Livingston Jr.<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/an-elegy-on-the-death-of-montgomery-tappen/
