Skip to content
1667–1745

THE EPITAPH

Jonathan Swift

Here, five feet deep, lies on his back A cobbler, starmonger, and quack; Who to the stars, in pure good will, Does to his best look upward still.

Weep, all you customers that use His pills, his almanacks, or shoes; And you that did your fortunes seek, Step to his grave but once a-week;

This earth, which bears his body's print, You'll find has so much virtue i n't, That I durst pawn my ears,‘ twill tell Whate'er concerns you full as well,

In physic, stolen goods, or love, As he himself could, when above.

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
THE EPITAPH · Jonathan Swift · Poetry Cove