by Coleridge · Cluster: Mortality · Grave · Memento Mori
Abstract
A moral epitaph (versions naming Hazlitt) on a man who lived as if he never thought to die and died as if he dared not hope to live.
Connections
Topoi: Memento Mori Motifs: Grave Themes & Concepts: Mortality, Doubt, Conscience Forms & Genres: Epigram
Testo integrale / Full text
Of him that in this gorgeous tomb doth lie,
This sad brief tale is all that Truth can give —
He lived like one who never thought to die,
He died like one who dared not hope to live!
First published in Morning Post, Sept. 22, 1801. First collected P.
and D. W., 1877, ii. 168.
ANOTHER VERSION
Under this stone does Walter Harcourt lie,
Who valued nought that God or man could give;
He lived as if he never thought to die;
He died as if he dared not hope to live!
[The name Walter Harcourt has been supplied by the editor. — S. C.]
OBIIT SATURDAY, SEPT. 10, 1830.
W. H. EHEU!
Beneath this stone does William Hazlitt lie,
Thankless of all that God or man could give.
He lived like one who never thought to die,
He died like one who dared not hope to live.