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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


EPITAPH ON FOP, A DOG BELONGING TO LADY THROCKMORTON by WILLIAM COWPER

Poet Analysis

First Line: THOUGH ONCE A PUPPY, AND THOUGH FOP BY NAME
Last Line: "AND WORN WITH VAIN PURSUIT MAN ALSO DIES."
Subject(s): ANIMALS; DOGS;

THOUGH once a puppy, and though Fop by name,
Here moulders one whose bones some honour claim;
No sycophant, although of spaniel race,
And though no hound, a martyr to the chase.
Ye squirrels, rabbits, leverets, rejoice!
Your haunts no longer echo to his voice;
This record of his fate exulting view,
He died worn out with vain pursuit of you.
"Yes"--the indignant shade of Fop replies--
"And worn with vain pursuit man also dies."



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