Farewell! endued with all that could engage <br />All hearts to love thee, both in youth and age! <br />In prime of life, for sprightliness enrolled <br />Among the gay, yet virtuous as the old; <br /> <br />In life's last stage, (O blessings rarely found!) <br />Pleasant as youth with all its blossoms crowned! <br />Through every period of this changeful state <br />Unchanged thyself -- wise, good, affectionate! <br /> <br />Marble may flatter, and lest this should seem <br />O'ercharged with praises on so dear a theme, <br />Although thy worth be more than half supprest, <br />Love shal be satisfied, and veil the rest.<br /><br />William Cowper<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/lines-composed-for-a-memorial-of-ashley-cowper-esq/
