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AN EPITAPH, INTENDED FOR HIMSELF by JAMES BEATTIE

Poet Analysis

First Line: ESCAPED THE GLOOM OF MORTAL LIFE, A SOUL
Last Line: I WAS A FRIEND, O MAN, TO THEE, TO ALL.
Subject(s): EPITAPHS; SELF;

Escaped the gloom of mortal life, a soul
Here leaves its mouldering tenement of clay,
Safe where no cares their whelming billows roll,
No doubts bewilder, and no hopes betray.

Like thee, I once have stemm'd the sea of life;
Like thee have languish'd after empty joys,
Like thee have labour'd in the stormy strife,
Been grieved for trifles, and amused with toys.

Forget my frailties; thou art also frail:
Forgive my lapses; for thyself may'st fall:
Nor read unmoved my artless tender tale --
I was a friend, O man, to thee, to all.



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