Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ON A DEATH'S-HEAD, COVERED WITH COBWEBS ... SAID TO BE SKULL OF A KING, by LUIS DE GONGORA


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ON A DEATH'S-HEAD, COVERED WITH COBWEBS ... SAID TO BE SKULL OF A KING, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: This mortal spoil which so neglected lies
Last Line: Your bones with those of common subjects rest.
Alternate Author Name(s): Argote Y Gongora, Luis De
Subject(s): Skulls


THIS mortal spoil which so neglected lies,
Death's sad Memento, now where spiders weave
Their subtil webs, which innocence deceive,
Whose strength to break their toils cannot suffice:

Saw itself crown'd, itself triumphant saw,
With mighty deeds proclaiming its renown;
Its smiles were favours, terror was its frown,
The World of its displeasure stood in awe.

Where Pride ordaining laws did once preside,
Which land should peace enjoy, which wars abide,
There boldly now these little insects nest;

Then raise not, Kings, your haughty plumes so high,
For in Death's cold embraces when you lie,
Your bones with those of common subjects rest.





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