Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ON HIS WIFE, AN EPITAPH by WILLIAM BROWNE (1591-1643)

Poet Analysis

First Line: THOU NEED'ST NO TOMB, MY WIFE, FOR THOU
Last Line: SHALL THERE BE SEEN AS IN THE BOOK OF LIFE.
Subject(s): EPITAPHS; MARRIAGE; WEDDINGS; HUSBANDS; WIVES;
THOU need'st no tomb, my wife, for thou hast one,
To which all marble is but pumex stone;
Thou art engrav'd so deeply in my heart,
It shall outlast the strongest hand of Art.
Death shall not blot thee thence, although I must
In all my other parts dissolve to dust;
For thy dear name, thy happy memory,
May so embalm it for eternity,
That when I rise, the name of my dear wife
Shall there be seen as in the book of life.



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