4
Commission'd to convene with hasty call
The gowned tribes, how graceful wouldst thou stand!
So stood Cyllenius5 erst in Priam's hall,
Wing-footed messenger of Jove's command,
And so, Eurybates6 when he address'd
To Peleus' son Atrides' proud behest.
Dread Queen of sepulchres! whose rig'rous laws
And watchful eyes, run through the realms below, 20
Oh, oft too adverse to Minerva's cause,
Too often to the Muse not less a foe,
Chose meaner marks, and with more equal aim
Pierce useless drones, earth's burthen and its shame!
Flow, therefore, tears for Him from ev'ry eye,
All ye disciples of the Muses, weep!
Assembling, all, in robes of sable dye,
Around his bier, lament his endless sleep,
And let complaining Elegy rehearse
In every School her sweetest saddest verse. 30
1 Richard Redding of St. John's College, M.A. He died in October,
I626.
2 The Swan--Jove had turned himself into that bird.
3 i.e. Jason, who was restored to youth by his daughter Medea.
4 Esculapius, the god of medicine.
5 Hermes.
6 One of the heralds sent to Achilles by Agamemnon.
ELEGY III
Anno Aetates 17.1
On the Death of the Bishop of Winchester.
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