by Coleridge · Cluster: Mortality · Grave · Memento Mori
Abstract
Coleridge’s self-epitaph for S.T.C., asking the Christian passer-by for prayer and finding life in death through Christ’s mercy.
Connections
Topoi: Memento Mori Motifs: Grave Themes & Concepts: Grace and Redemption, Mortality, Faith Forms & Genres: Epigram Characters: Christ
Testo integrale / Full text
Stop, Christian passer-by! — Stop, child of God,
And read with gentle breast. Beneath this sod
A poet lies, or that which once seem’d he.
O, lift one thought in prayer for S. T. C.;
That he who many a year with toil of breath 5
Found death in life, may here find life in death!
Mercy for praise — to be forgiven for fame
He ask’d, and hoped, through Christ. Do thou the same!
9th November, 1833.