AT length, in pity to a nation's prayer,
Thou liv'st, O STANHOPE, Providence's care:
"Life's sun, we read, when heaven a respite lends,
" Ten degrees back against the shade descends. "
By wisdom purify'd, by age inspir'd;
For twice nine years in Greenwich groves retir'd;
Rapt like Elijah in the aërial car,
Thou wisely mark'st this busy world from far:
Where Avarice and Ambition vainly run,
This to undo, and that to be undone. —
Considerate truths are now thy favourite themes;
Age may see visions, tho' our youth dream'd dreams:
Hail truly wise, and good! O happier thou
Than if state diadems had grac'd thy brow!