EPISTLE то ROBERT Earl of OXFORd, and Earl of MORTIMER. SUCH CH were the notes thy once-lov'd Poet fung, 5 'Till Death untimely stop'd his tuneful tongue. NOTES. ΙΟ Epistle to Robert Earl of Oxford.] This Epiftle was fent to the Earl of Oxford with Dr. Parnelle's Poems published by our Author, after the faid Earl's Imprisonment in the Tower, and Retreat into the Country, in the Year 1721. P, Absent or dead, still let a friend be dear, (A figh the absent claims, the dead a tear) Recall those nights that clos'd thy toilfome days, 15 Still hear thy Parnelle in his living lays, Who, careless now of Int'reft, Fame, or Fate, Perhaps forgets that OXFORD e'er was great; Or deeming meanest what we greatest call, Beholds thee glorious only in thy Fall. And sure, if aught below the feats divine Can touch Immortals, 'tis a Soul like thine : A Soul fupreme, in each hard instance try'd, Above all Pain, all Paffion, and all Pride, 20 The rage of Pow'r, the blast of public breath, 25 The luft of Lucre, and the dread of Death. In vain to Deserts thy retreat is made ; The Muse attends thee to thy filent shade: "Tis hers, the brave man's latest steps to trace, Rejudge his acts, and dignify difgrace. 30 When Int'reft calls off all her fneaking train, 36 Ev'n now, she shades thy Ev'ning-walk with bays, 40 EPISTLE To JAMES CRAGGS, Efq. SECRETARY of STATE. A Soul as full of Worth, as void of Pride, Which nothing feeks to fhew, or needs to hide, 5 Which nor to Guilt nor Fear, its Caution owes, Be not (exalted to whate'er degree) NOTES. Secretary of State] In the Year 1720. P. 15 |