On The Death Of Miss Goldney Poem by Samuel Bowden

Inscrib'd to Mrs. S--K

Fair and unspotted, to the realms of light
Accomplish'd Flavia takes her silent flight:
Heaven envy'd mortals such a beauteous prize,
And to secure her, snatch'd her to the skies.
Despairing lovers languish'd here in vain,
Nor gold nor grandeur could the vestal gain:
'Till ravenous Death each avenue possest,
And storm'd the chrystal palace of her breast;
Then gently lands her on that peaceful shore,
Where tempests cease, and billows rage no more.
So young, so chaste, so beautiful, so gay,
The conqueror stood relenting o'er his prey.
So griev'd the Roman o'er the town he burn'd;
Sigh'd o'er the flames, and as he conquer'd mourn'd.


Still lives the Nymph blest in Elysian shades,
Where youth still blooms, and beauty never fades.
With pitying Eyes views this fantastic show,
This Tragi-Comedy of Life below.
To crown her bliss harmonious bands conspire,
She wants but you to make her heaven entire.