Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

EPITAPH ON THE EARL OF STRAFFORD by JOHN CLEVELAND

Poet Analysis

First Line: HERE LIES WISE AND VALIANT DUST
Last Line: SPEECHLESS STILL, AND NEVER CRY.
Subject(s): DEATH; EPITAPHS; WENTWORTH, THOMAS. EARL OF STRAFFORD; DEAD, THE;
Here lies Wise and Valiant Dust
Huddled up 'twixt Fit and Just:
STRAFFORD, who was hurried hence
'Twixt Treason and Convenience.
He spent his Time here in a Mist;
A Papist, yet a Calvinist.
His Princes nearest Joy, and Grief,
He had, yet wanted all Relief;
The Prop and Ruin of the State;
The People's violent Love and Hate;
One in extremes loved and abhorred.
Riddles lie here; or in a word,
Here lies Blood; and let it lie
Speechless still, and never cry.






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