Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

DIVINE POEMS: AN EPITAPH by JOHN HALL (1627-1656)

First Line: WHEN THAT MY DAYS ARE SPENT, NOR DO I KNOW
Last Line: CANNOT FROM ASHES FLOWERS RENEW.
Subject(s): EPITAPHS; RELIGION; THEOLOGY;
WHEN that my days are spent, (nor do I know
Whether the sun will e'er immise Light to mine eyes,)
Methinks a pious tear needs must
Offer some violence to my dust.

Dust ravell'd in the air will fly Up high;
Mingled with water 'twill retire Into the mire:
Why should my ashes not be free,
When Nature gave them liberty?

But when I go, I must them leave In grave.
No floods can make my marble so, As moist to grow.
Then spare your labour, since your dew
Cannot from ashes flowers renew.



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