O thou! whose steps in sacred reverence tread br These lone dominions of the silent dead; br On this sad stone a pious look bestow, br Nor uninstructed read this tale of woe; br And while the sigh of sorrow heaves thy breast, br Let each rebellious murmur be suppress'd; br Heaven's hidden ways to trace, for us how vain! br Heaven's wise decrees, how impious to arraign! br Pure from the stains of a polluted age, br In early bloom of life they left the stage: br Not doom'd in lingering woe to waste their breath, br One moment snatch'd them from the power of Death: br They lived united, and united died; br Happy the friends whom Death cannot divide!br br James Beattiebr br