Ben Jonson


  E  P  I  G  R  A  M  S .  


XXVII. — ON SIR JOHN ROE.   

In place of scutcheons that should deck thy herse,
Take better ornaments, my tears and verse.
If any sword could save from Fates', ROE'S could ;
     If any Muse outlive their spight, his can ;
If any friends' tears could restore, his would ;
     If any pious life ere lifted man
To heaven ; his hath : O happy state ! wherein
We, sad for him, may glory, and not sin.





[AJ Notes:
Scutcheons, escutcheons, emblazoned shields, which
    would decorate a hearse buried in state and pomp.]
 
Source:
Jonson, Ben.  The Works of Ben Jonson.
Boston: Phillips, Sampson, and Co., 1853. 787.
Backto Works of Ben Jonson

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