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EPITAPH ON SIR GODFREY KNELLER IN WESTMINSTER-ABBY 1723 by ALEXANDER POPE

Poet Analysis

First Line: KNELLER, BY HEAV'N, AND NOT BY A MASTER, TAUGHT
Last Line: HER WORKS; AND DYING, FEARS HERSELF MAY DIE.
Subject(s): KNELLER, SIR GODFREY (1649-1723); WESTMINSTER ABBEY; KNILLER, GOTTFRIED;

Kneller, by Heav'n and not a Master taught,
Whose Art was Nature, and whose Pictures thought;
Now for two ages having snatch'd from fate
Whate'er was Beauteous, or whate'er was Great,
Lies crown'd with Princes Honours, Poets Lays,
Due to his Merit, and brave Thirst of Praise.
Living, great Nature fear'd he might outvie
Her works; and dying, fears herself may die.



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