Death & Dying

An Epitaph (from the Greek)

by William Cowper 1731–1800

Translated by William Cowper · From Translations

Death & Dying

My name--my country--what are they to thee?
What--whether base or proud, my pedigree?
Perhaps I far surpass'd all other men--
Perhaps I fell below them all--what then?
Suffice it, stranger! that thou seest a tomb--
Thou know'st its use--it hides--no matter whom.

✦ ✦ ✦

Translated from the Greek.

MLA

Cowper, William. “An Epitaph (from the Greek).” Translated by William Cowper. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/cowper/363/.

Chicago

Cowper, William. “An Epitaph (from the Greek).” Translated by William Cowper. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/cowper/363/.

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