The Elven Waif

On Charles, earl of Dorset, in the church of Wythyham, in Sussex.

Dorset, the grace of courts, the muse's pride,

Patron of arts, and judge of nature, dy'd,-

The scourge of pride, though sanctify'd or great,

Of fops in learning, and of knaves in state;

Yet soft in nature, though severe his lay,

His anger moral, and his wisdom gay.

Blest satirist! who touch'd the mean so true,

As show'd, vice had his hate and pity too.

Blest courtier! who could king and country please,

Yet sacred kept his friendship, and his ease.

Blest peer! his great forefather's every grace

Reflecting, and reflected on his race;