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Occasioned by viewing the Portrait of the late Mrs. ISABELLA GRAHAM, which is prefixed to her life.

WHILST in this faded form I trace,
The features which I lov'd so well,
Remembrance brings each mental grace,
Within its hallow'd shrine to dwell.

For I have seen that darken'd eye,
In all the fire of genius roll,
With eagle-gaze explore the sky,
Or with a keener glance descry
The secret workings of the soul.

And I have seen this pallid cheek

Suffus'd with feeling's richest glow;

And virtue's brightest halo deck

With sacred charms these locks of snow.

And on these lips in silence clos'd,

With rapt attention oft I hung,

And heard those wondrous truths disclos'd
Which Sages taught or Seraphs sung.

And I have known this wither'd hand
Extended wide the poor to bless-
And this contracted breast expand
With generous schemes to aid distress.

And now, though far remov'd from earth,
And every scene of mortal pain,
This dear memorial of her worth,
Shall many a drooping neart sustain.

Still shall it dry the widow's tear*-
The hapless orphan's want supply,

Guide to a blest asylum here

And point to happier realms on high.

My Father's friend!-How poor the praise,

By his unworthy offspring given,

Who thus records in humble lays,

What Angels register'd in heav'n.

Frankfort, Kentucky, Aug. 1816.

* By the manner in which the funds arising from the sale of the work

are to be appropriated.

FINIS.

32101 063840969

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