Death & Dying

Wit's Epicedium. 1659

by Thomas Shipman 1632–1680

From Carolina, or Loyal Poems (1683)

Death & Dying

HERE lies great Cleveland! whom 'tis fit,
To name the Phoenix of true Wit.
His Fate suits sadly with the name;
Since he expired in a Flame.
A Fever! hence this fate did come,
The Muses suffer'd Martyrdom!
He like the Phoenix dy'd! Alas!
Not like the Phoenix bury'd was!
Since with the Gums of his own Stile,
He did not build himself a Pyle.

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Source headnote: Epitaph upon Mr. J. Cleveland.

MLA

Shipman, Thomas. “Wit's Epicedium. 1659.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/shipman/29/.

Chicago

Shipman, Thomas. “Wit's Epicedium. 1659.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/shipman/29/.

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