The Virginia Gazette

TO THE MEMORY OF MR. JOHN KENNON.
By A LADY.

By silent grief why is my soul opprest?
Lorario is no more!—my woeful mind,
And sighing heart, no more sweet peace shall find!
O! let me then this tender woe impart,
And breathe the feelings of a friendly heart
May every sentence tell my depth of woe,
And may my Song in mournful numbers flow!
And let me too his virtues mild rehearse,
And praise his valour in my humble verse;
My bursting heart with friendship fond will glow,
His praises will in heart-felt numbers flow!
But where shall I, or thought or language find,
To paint the matchless beauties of his mind?
Good nature with good Sense in concord join'd,
And gentle modesty his wit refin'd;
A manly sweetness gave his conversation grace,
And manly beauty triumph'd in his face;
A soft compassion for all human woe,
Shone in his eyes and made his bosom glow!
But ah! he's gone in whose all-virtuous mind,
Dwelt manly sense with worth and valour join'd.
Be still—poor heart! lament and grieve no more,
He's gone to grace the bright celestial choir!
From troubles free his wearied head shall rest,
Happy in Heav'n with his Saviour blest!
May this reflection calm my anguish cease,
And o'er my soul infuse the balm of peace.