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To the memory of my much respected friend Thos Hicks Esqr. Rear Admiral of the Blue
Here reposed from this world of rude bustle & strife Lies a man who has led a most excellent life. Filial duty distinguish'd the day of his youth And his Manhood was mark'd by affection for truth. [M]an, husband or Father or brother or friend [Ev']ry Action was just in its motive & end. Most perfectly mild & as cheerful as kind [No]thing selfish disgracefully tainted his mind. All loved him who knew him; nor could they do less For to sooth ev'ry wound & each wrong to redress [illegible] the pride of a heart turned to friendship and love [A]nd sent as a model, to man from above. [illegible] Hicks! to thy worth may your country be just [illegible] my grief thro your grave sink down to your dust [illegible] me weep oer the bier where each villager sigh'd [illegible] virtue herself shed a tear when you died.