Epitaph,
On Thomas Paine,
by Clio Rickman.
To future times this monumental stone
Need not be spared to make thy value known.
For future times will in each bosom raise
An Altar sacred to that worth and praise;
And sound with general voice, when envy dies,
Thee and thy works with plaudits, to the skies.
This Tomb is simply raised by friends sincere
To point the spot and tell that Paine lies here:
Their high respect and gratitude to prove
Who dared insulted excellence to love:
Who leave to future times and better days
Thy worth I appreciate and proclaim thy praise;
For future ages must with loud acclaim -
When man will live to Reason, Truth and Fame,
When Freedom, Virtue, Love shall reign below,
Hail him! to whom their happy stake they owe.