TWO EPITAPHS
Reading edition
I. ON A DIPLOMAT.
OH, who will bid me rise again That gambled with the souls of men? Those whose lives I signed away Will meet me at the Judgment Day, My dead: can they forgive and pray? All honest men, pray for me, and pray well, Lest true men’s curses send the false to hell.
II. ON A PROFITEER.
I FATTENED on the blood and tears Of these long laborious years; Out of loss came forth my gain, Watered by another’s pain: Who shall bid me rise again? Pray for me, all poor men, and pray right well, Lest poor men’s curses bring the rich to hell.