University of Virginia Library

Elegie Upon the death of that thrice valiant Lord, the Lord Bernard Stewart, slain in the fight neer VVest-Chester.

Boast not proud death of this thy Victorie!
In killing him who thus resolv'd to die!
Hadst thou a life to lose, I would on thee
Revenge his too too early Destinie.
But Coward! thou nor spirit hast nor heat;
Els thou wouldst neer ha' smit so brave, so great
A Person, that on thy dread Tragick stage
Fought on thy side, and in that bloodie rage
To thy black shades so many breathlesse sent.
Perhaps thou feardst his highborn furie meant
With fierce assault thy conqu'ring selfe disarm,
Sans fear of death he fought so; at which alar'm,
Lest he thy territories should invade,
And so usurp thy pow'r, thou wast afraid,
So 'caus thy jealous fear would admit none,
A Rival in thy Empire, thou so soon
Didst cut him off. Happy unhappy he
Right noble born, and dying; here doth lie,
Whose single Death-despising Valour made
His greatest enemie, Death it selfe afraid.