Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

EPIGRAM: ON SIR JOHN ROE (1) by BEN JONSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: IN PLACE OF SCUTCHEONS THAT SHOULD DECK THY HEARSE
Last Line: WE, SAD FOR HIM, MAY GLORY, AND NOT SIN.
Subject(s): ROE, SIR JOHN (1581-1606);
In place of scutcheons, that should deck thy hearse,
Take better ornaments, my tears, and verse.
If any sword could save from Fates, Roe's could;
If any muse outlive their spite, his can;
If any friend's tears could restore, his would;
If any pious life e'er lifted man
To heaven, his hath: O happy state! wherein
We, sad for him, may glory, and not sin.



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