| Citation |
VGW(PA.736.007
8-15 Oct 1736:41 (11)
A curious monument as now finish'd, by the famous Mr.
Rysbrack, and in a few days will be erected in Westminster-
Abbey, among the poets, to the memory of the late Mr. Gay,
author of the Beggar's Opera, &c. on which is the following
inscription, viz.
Of manners gentle, of affections mild,
In wit a man, simplicity a child;
With native humour temp'ring virtuous rage,
Form'd to delight at once and last the age.
. . . [8 more lines]-------here lies Gay.
[signed] A.Pope
Here lie the ashes of Mr. John Gay:
The warmest friend,
The gentlest companion,
The most benevolent man;
Who maintain'd
Independency
In low circumstances of fortune;
Integrity,
In the midst of a corrupt age;
And that equal serenity of mind,
Which conscious goodness alone can give,
Thro' the whole course of his life.
Favorite of the muses,
He was led by them to every elegant art:
Refin'd in taste,
And fraught with graces all his own.
In various kinds of poetry
Superior to many,
Inferior to none.
His works continue to inspire
What his example taught:
Contempt of folly, however adorn'd;
Detestation of vice, however dignify'd;
Reverence for virtue, however disgrac'd.
Charles and Catherine, Duke and Dutchess of Queensbury, who
lov'd his excellent person living, and regret him dead, have
caus'd this monument to be erected to his memory.
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