John Henry Dryden

Here you will find the Poem Epitaph on the Monument of the Marquis of Winchester of poet John Henry Dryden

Epitaph on the Monument of the Marquis of Winchester

He who, in impious times, undaunted stood, 
And 'midst rebellion durst be just and good; 
Whose arms asserted, and whose sufferings more 
Confirmed the cause for which he fought before, 
Rests here, rewarded by an heavenly prince, 
For what his earthly could not recompence. 
Pray, reader, that such times no more appear; 
Or, if they happen, learn true honour here. 
Ark of this age's faith and loyalty, 
Which, to preserve them, heaven confined in thee. 
Few subjects could a king like thine deserve; 
And fewer, such a king so well could serve. 
Blest king, blest subject, whose exalted state 
By sufferings rose, and gave the law to fate! 
Such souls are rare, but mighty patterns given 
To earth, were meant for ornaments to heaven.