Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


EPITAPH by PHILIP FRENEAU

Poet Analysis

First Line: HERE - FOR THEY COULD NOT HELP BUT DIE
Last Line: OR EVER ALL WHO LOVE, SHALL GAIN.

HERE -- for they could not help but die --
The daughters of the Rose-Bush lie:
Here rest, interred without a stone,
What dear Lucinda gave to none, --
What forward beau, or curious belle,
Could hardly touch, and rarely smell.

Dear Rose! of all the blooming kind
You had a happier place assigned,
And nearer grew to all that's fair,
And more engaged Lucinda's care,
Than ever courting, coaxing swain,
Or ever all who love, shall gain.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net