On Sir Godfrey Kneller

In Westminster Abbey, 1723

KNELLER, by Heav’n, and not a master, taught,

Whose Art was Nature, and whose pictures thought;

Now for two ages having snatch’d from fate

Whate’er was beauteous, or whate’er was great,

Lies crown’d with Princes’ honours, Poets’ lays,

Due to his Merit and brave thirst of Praise.

Living, great Nature fear’d he might outvie

Her works; and, dying, fears herself may die.