"Tell me (says Cato) where you found
.......... My boy, - and how he
fell?"
"In front - and in his breast the wound!"
.......... "I thank the Gods -
'tis well."
Thus the stern Stoic sooth'd his grief,
.......... And check'd the
rising groan,
By making honour his relief,
.......... And common good his
own.
Yet more, the terms of vital breath
.......... He knew, - and
chance of war;
That youth is no where safe from death,
.......... And glory courts a
fear.
For yours, - on these reflections dwell
.......... When you behold his
urn;
And as he like a Roman fell,
.......... Do you like Romans
mourn.
True - he was young, - and brave as young -
.......... And generous as
brave;
Yet every virtue could not long
.......... Or him or Marcus
save.
Fly to the truth, - to you 'tis clear,
.......... What Cato wish'd to
prove,
That virtuous valour suffering here,
.......... Shall find its crown
above.
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