by Coleridge · Cluster: Satire of Society · Epigram · Satire
Abstract
A ‘farewell epigram’ addressed to a candle, whose short pointed flame is itself an image of the epigram; a self-reflexive meditation on light, brevity, and the art of the epigram.
Connections
Motifs: Fire, Light and Dark Themes & Concepts: Friendship, Artist and Society Forms & Genres: Epigram
Testo integrale / Full text
THE FAREWELL EPIGRAM
Good Candle, thou that with thy brother, Fire,
Art my best friend and comforter at night,
Just snuff’d, thou look’st as if thou didst desire
That I on thee an epigram should write.
Dear Candle, burnt down to a finger-joint,
Thy own flame is an epigram of sight;
‘Tis short, and pointed, and all over light,
Yet gives most light and burns the keenest at the point.
Valete et Plaudite.
First published in Morning Post, Oct. 11, 1802.