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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ON DR. BAMBRIGG [BAINBRIGG], MASTER OF CHRIST'S by JOHN HALL (1627-1656)

First Line: WERE BUT THIS MARBLE VOCAL, THERE
Last Line: THESE ASHES MIGHT PROVE ELOQUENT.
Subject(s): TEACHING & TEACHERS; EDUCATORS; PROFESSORS;

WERE but this marble vocal, there
Such an elogium would appear,
As might, though truth did dictate, move
Distrust in either Faith or Love;
As ample knowledge as could rest
Enshrined in a mortal's breast,
Which ne'ertheless did open lie,
Uncovered by humility;
A heart, which piety had chose
To be her altar, whence arose
Such smoking sacrifices, that
We here can only wonder at;
A honey tongue, that could dispense
Torrents of sacred eloquence,
And yet how far inferior stand
Unto a learned curious hand?
That 'tis no wonder, if this stone,
Because it cannot speak, doth groan;
For could mortality assent,
These ashes might prove eloquent.



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