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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

EPITAPH ON MR. GAY IN WESTMINSTER ABBEY by ALEXANDER POPE

Poet Analysis

First Line: OF MANNERS GENTLE, OF AFFECTIONS MILD
Last Line: STRIKING THEIR PENSIVE BOSOMS -- HERE LIES GAY.
Subject(s): GAY, JOHN (1685-1732); WESTMINSTER ABBEY;
Of Manners gentle, of Affections mild;
In Wit, a Man; Simplicity, a Child;
With native Humour temp'ring virtuous Rage,
Form'd to delight at once and lash the age;
Above Temptation, in a low Estate,
And uncorrupted, ev'n among the Great;
A safe Companion, and an easy Friend,
Unblam'd thro' life, lamented in thy End.
These are Thy Honours! not that here thy Bust
Is mix'd with Heroes, or with Kings thy dust;
But that the Worthy and the Good shall say,
Striking their pensive bosoms -- Here lies GAY.




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