by Coleridge · Cluster: Mortality · Grave · Memento Mori
Abstract
Ben Jonson’s ‘The Hour-Glass’: the dust in the glass is the burnt body of a dead lover, so that even lovers’ ashes find no rest; a conceit on time, death and love.
Connections
Topoi: Tempus Fugit, Memento Mori Motifs: Clock, Dust, Fire Themes & Concepts: Mortality, Romantic Love Forms & Genres: Epigram
Testo integrale / Full text
No. VI. THE HOUR-GLASS.
Consider this small dust, here in the glass
By atoms moved:
Could you believe that this the body was
Of one that loved;
And in his mistress’ flame playing like a fly, 5
Was turned to cinders by her eye:
Yes; and in death, as life unblest,
To have ‘t exprest,
Even ashes of lovers find no rest.