His endeavouring to shield her from the storm, was a natural action, and what he would have certainly done for his horse, if he had been in the same situation.

Neither am I of opinion, that their sudden death was a reward of their mutual virtue.

You know the Jews were reproved for thinking a village destroyed by fire more wicked than those that had escaped the thunder.

Time and chance happen to all men.

Since you desire me to try my skill in an epitaph, I think the following lines perhaps more just, though not so poetical as yours: Here lies John Hughes and Sarah Drew; Perhaps you'll say, what's that to you?
Believe me, friend, much may be said On this poor couple that are dead.
On Sunday next they should have married; But see how oddly things are carried! On Thursday last it rain'd and lighten'd; These tender lovers, sadly frighten'd, Shelter'd beneath the cocking hay, In hopes to pass the storm away; But the bold thunder found them out (Commissioned for that end, no doubt), And, seizing on their trembling breath, Consign'd them to the shades of death.
Who knows if 'twas not kindly done?
For had they seen the next year's sun, A beaten wife and cuckold swain Had jointly curs'd the marriage chain; Now they are happy in their doom, For P.has wrote upon their tomb.
"I confess, these sentiments are not altogether so heroic as yours; but I hope you will forgive them in favour of the two last lines.