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EPITAPH ON CHARLES I.

So falls that stately Cedar; while it stood
That was the onely glory of the wood;
Great Charles, thou earthly God, celestial man,
Whose life, like others, though it were a span;
Yet in that span, was comprehended more
Than earth hath waters, or the ocean shore;
Thy heavenly virtues, angels should rehearse,
It is a theam too high for humane verse:
Hee that would know thee right, then let him look
Upon thy rare-incomparable book,
And read it or'e; which if he do,
Hee'l find thee _King_, and _Priest_, and _Prophet_ too;
And sadly see our losse, and though in vain,
With fruitlesse wishes, call thee back again.
Nor shall oblivion sit upon thy herse,
Though there were neither monument, nor verse.
Thy suff'rings and thy death let no man name;
It was thy Glorie, but the kingdom's shame.


(_From the Eikon Basilike, printed_ A.D. 1648.)

C.C.

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