Lines Written On A Blank Leaf In A Copy Of The Author's Poem 'the Excursion,'

Upon Hearing Of The Death Of The Late Vicar Of Kendal TO public notice, with reluctance strong, Did I deliver this unfinished Song; Yet for one happy issue;--and I look With self-congratulation on the Book Which pious, learned, MURFITT saw and read;-- Upon my thoughts his saintly Spirit fed; He conned the new-born Lay with grateful heart-- Foreboding not how soon he must depart; Unweeting that to him the joy was given Which good men take with them from earth to heaven.