by Coleridge · Cluster: Satire of Society · Epigram · Satire
Abstract
A satirical epigram on atheistic ‘Jack’, warning that after death he will fall foul of howling damnation unless he mends his ways.
Connections
Themes & Concepts: Doubt, Sin and the Fall, Mortality Forms & Genres: Epigram, Satire
Testo integrale / Full text
A JOKE (cries Jack) without
a
sting —
Post obitum can no man sing.
And true, if Jack don’t mend his manners
And quit the atheistic banners,
Post obitum will Jack run foul
Of such folks as can only howl.
First published in An. Anth., 1800. Included in Essays, &c., iii.
988. First collected P. and D. W., 1877, ii, 165.