(seq. 39)

33

Hark! hark! the summons comes that bids me haste,

And leap into the arms of death aghast,

O! shocking scene by me untryd before,

Which I must enter on thus solemn hour,

Grown big with fate, eternity at stake,

With all that can me bless of happy make,

O! could I burst deaths fast & cold embrace,

Or smoath the ghastly monsters haggard face,

That stares me full with horrid menaces,

And hugs me fast in his abhord embraces ~

Once more behold my trembling lips that mean,

To speak the all dissolving death within,

That scarce can lisp with broken accents fraught,

The dread solemnity that hangs on ev'ry thot;

To worlds eternal & unknown I go,

But leave this mouldring frame in worlds below.

Come see me gasp, come see my breath depart,

Come close my eyes, death seizes on my heart;

Come take your last farewell & final leave,