On Fergusson B

written in 1787

Ill-fated Genius! Heaven-taught Fergusson, What heart that feels and will not yield a tear, To think Life's sun did set e'er well begun To shed its influence on thy bright career. O why should truest Worth and Genius pine Beneath the iron grasp of Want and Woe, While titled knaves and idiot-greatness shine In all the splendour Fortune can bestow?