An Inscription in the Crimea

SHEPHERD, or huntsman, or worn mariner,

Whate’er thou art, who wouldst allay thy thirst,

Drink and be glad. This cistern of white stone,

Arched, and o’erwrought with many a sacred verse,

This iron cup chained for the general use,

And these rude seats of earth within the grove,

Were given by Fatima. Borne hence a bride,

’T was here she turned from her beloved sire,

To see his face no more. O, if thou canst

(’T is not far off), visit his tomb with flowers;

And with a drop of this sweet water fill

The two small cells scooped in the marble there,

That birds may come and drink upon his grave,

Making it holy.