Though short thy span, God's unimpeach'd decrees, <br />Which made that shorten'd span one long disease, <br />Yet merciful in chastening, gave thee scope <br />For mild, redeeming virtues, Faith and Hope; <br />Meek Resigination; pious Charity <br />And, since this world was not the world for thee, <br />Far from thy path removed, with partial care, <br />Strife, Glory, Gain, and Pleasure's flowery snare, <br />Bade Earth's temptations pass thee harmless by, <br />And fix'd on Heaven thine unadverted eye! <br />Oh! mark'd from birth, and nurtur'd for the skies! <br />In youth, with more than learning's wisdom, wise! <br />As sainted martyrs, patient to endure! <br />Simple as unweari'd infancy and pure! <br />Pure from all stain (save that of human clay, <br />Which Christ's atoning blood hath wash'd away!) <br />By mortal sufferings now no more oppress'd, <br />Mount sinless Spirit, to thy destined rest! <br />While I--reversed our nature's kindlier doom <br />Pour forth a father's sorrows on thy tomb.<br /><br />George Canning<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/though-short-thy-span-god-s-unimpeach-d-decrees/
