by George Canning (uncredited).
Originally published in The New Monthly Magazine (Henry Colburn) vol.1 #2 (Feb 1821).
GEORGE CHARLES CANNING,
Eldest Son of
The Right Honourable George Canning,
And Joan Scott, his Wife.
Born April 25th, 1801.
Died March 31st, 1820.
Though short thy span, God's unimpeach'd decrees,
Which made that shorten'd span one long disease,
Yet, merciful in chastening, gave thee scope
For mild, redeeming virtues, Faith and Hope;
Meek Resignation; pious Charity:
And, since this world was not the world for thee,
Far from thy path removed, with partial care,
Strife, Glory, Gain, and Pleasure's flowery snare,
Bade Earth's temptations pass thee harmless by,
And fix'd on Heaven thine unreverted eye!
Oh! mark'd from birth, and nurtur'd for the skies!
In youth, with more than learning's wisdom, wise!
As sainted martyrs, patient to endure!
Simple, as unwean'd infancy, and pure!
Pure from all stain (save that of human clay,
Which Christ's atoning blood hath wash'd away!)
By mortal sufferings now no more oppress'd,
Mount, sinless Spirit, to thy destined rest!
While I—reversed our Nature's kindlier doom,
Pour forth a Father's sorrows on thy tomb.