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1842–1914

AN EPITAPH

Ambrose Bierce

Hangman's hands laid in this tomb an Imp of Satan's getting, whom an Ancient legend says that woman Never bore — he owed his birth

To Sin herself. From Hell to Earth She brought the brat in secret state And laid him at the Golden gate, And they named him Henry Vrooman.

While with mortals here he stayed, His father frequently he played. Raised his birth-place and in other Playful ways begot his mother.

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AN EPITAPH · Ambrose Bierce · Poetry Cove