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The Poetical Works of William Drummond of Hawthornden

With "A Cypresse Grove": Edited by L. E. Kastner

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107

To the Memorie of the most excellent Ladie, Iane Countesse of Perth.

This Beautie, which pale Death in Dust did turne,
And clos'd so soone within a Coffin sad,
Did passe like Lightning, like to Thunder burne;
So little Life so much of Worth it had!
Heauens but to show their Might heere made it shine,
And when admir'd, then in the Worlds Disdaine
(O Teares, O Griefe!) did call it backe againe,
Lest Earth should vaunt Shee kept what was Diuine.
What can wee hope for more? what more enjoy?
Sith fairest Thinges thus soonest haue their End;
And, as on Bodies shadowes doe attend,
Sith all our Blisse is follow'd with Annoy?
Shee is not dead, Shee liues where shee did loue,
Her Memorie on Earth, Her Soule aboue.