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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


EPITAPH ON MR. SIBLEY OF STUDHAM by NATHANIEL COTTON

First Line: HERE LIES AN HONEST MAN! WITHOUT PRETENCE
Last Line: WHERE, SPITE OF ANSTIS, ROTS THE GARTER'D KNAVE.
Subject(s): DEATH; EPITAPHS; HONOR; DEAD, THE;

HERE lies an honest man! without pretence
To more than prudence, and to common sense;
Who knew no vanity, disguise, nor art,
Who scorn'd all language foreign to the heart.
Diffusive as the light his bounty spread,
Cloth'd were the naked, and the hungry fed.
'These be his honours!' honours that disclaim
The blazon'd scutcheon, and the herald's fame!
Honours! which boast defiance to the grave,
Where, spite of Anstis, rots the garter'd knave.



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