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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


INSCRIPTION FOR THE TOMB OF MR. HAMILTON by WILLIAM COWPER

Poet Analysis

First Line: PAUSE HERE, AND THINK: A MONITORY RHYME
Last Line: "EXCLAIMS, ""PREPARE THEE FOR AN EARLY SHROUD."

PAUSE here, and think: a monitory rhyme
Demands one moment of thy fleeting time.
Consult life's silent clock, thy bounding vein;
Seems it to say, "Health here has long to reign"?
Hast thou the vigour of thy youth?--an eye
That beams delight?--a heart untaught to sigh?
Yet fear. Youth, ofttimes healthful and at ease,
Anticipates a day it never sees;
And many a tomb, like HAMILTON'S, aloud
Exclaims, "Prepare thee for an early shroud."



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