John Webster. ?-1630?
219. The Shrouding of the Duchess of Malfi
1 min to read
116 words

HARK! Now everything is still, The screech-owl and the whistler shrill, Call upon our dame aloud, And bid her quickly don her shroud!

Much you had of land and rent; Your length in clay 's now competent: A long war disturb'd your mind; Here your perfect peace is sign'd.

Of what is 't fools make such vain keeping? Sin their conception, their birth weeping, Their life a general mist of error, Their death a hideous storm of terror. Strew your hair with powders sweet, Don clean linen, bathe your feet,

And—the foul fiend more to check— A crucifix let bless your neck: 'Tis now full tide 'tween night and day; End your groan and come away.

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John Webster. ?-1630?
220. Vanitas Vanitatum
1 min to read
95 words
Return to The Oxford Book of English Verse, 1250–1900






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