Death & Dying
An Epitaph on Henry the Fourth, the Last French King
From A Poetical Rhapsody (1602), ed. A. H. Bullen (1890–91)
That we should more bewail the hap of kings,
Great Henry Bourbon's death occasion brings:
To Henry Valois next crowned king of France,
Next both in blood, in name, in reign, in chance.
Perils, his youth; wars, did his manhood spend,
His old age, peace, till murder his life did end:
His conquests, glory; his wisdom, peace did win,
His faith, Heaven; Christ, pardon for his sin.
Codex Note
By Charles Best, who added poems to the third edition (1611).
Cite this poem
MLA
Anonymous (Elizabethan miscellanies). “An Epitaph on Henry the Fourth, the Last French King.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-elizabethan-miscellanies/130/.
Chicago
Anonymous (Elizabethan miscellanies). “An Epitaph on Henry the Fourth, the Last French King.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-elizabethan-miscellanies/130/.
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