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EPITAPH ON SIR R.D., by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Here lies the pattern of good men
Last Line: Was wrapt up in the common-wealth.
Subject(s): Epitaphs


HERE lies the pattern of good men;
Heaven and Earth's lov'd Citizen.
The World's faint wishes scarce can reach
The good, he did by action teach:
So hating 'semblance, that his mind
Left her deportment still behind,
That he far better was, than e'er
Unto the world's eye did appear;
The poor can witness this, who cry
Aloud their loss, his charity;
The lame and feeble now must creep,
To show their crutch is laid asleep.
His household servants, tenants, all
Weep here their father's funeral:
The war, that gorg'd on his estate,
His table never could abate;
If ever he unjust was known,
'Twas in receding from his own;
Exchanging what, with trouble, he
Might save, to keep tranquillity.
His host of virtues struck such fear
Into his foes, they did not dare
To lay on his that penalty,
They did on other's loyalty;
Which bore with him as high a rate,
As those who bought it with their state.
Prudence and Innocence had made
A league, no harm should him invade;
Peaceful amidst the wars his life,
As in the elemental strife
Of bodies that are temper'd well,
Harmonious souls at quiet dwell;
When the worst humour had prevail'd
Upon the State, his vitals fail'd;
To show, this feeling member's health
Was wrapt up in the common-wealth.





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