On The Sudden Death Of A Young Gentleman

ON THE SUDDEN DEATH OF A YOUNG GENTLEMAN

The veil of night was drawn aside, The sky was beaming red; In youth and health's luxuriant pride Ross lightly left his bed.

He call'd his dog — he seiz'd his gun — He flew to yonder plain, Elated with the rising sun, But ne'er return'd again.

"In luck," — he cries, "I've shot my bird" — He stops — and pants for breath — He never spoke another word, But clos'd his eyes in death.

An Angel mark'd him from his birth; And, when the doom was given, Did crop the sweetest bud on earth To bloom and blow in heaven!