An Epitaph on Salathiel Pavy, a Child of Queen Elizabeth’s Chapel
WEEP with me, all you that readThis little story;And know, for whom a tear you shedDeath’s self is sorry.It was a child that so did thriveIn grace and feature,As Heaven and Nature seemed to striveWhich owned the creature.Years he numbered scarce thirteenWhen fates turned cruel,Yet three filled zodiacs had he beenThe stage’s jewel;And did act (what now we moan)Old men so duly,Ah, sooth, the Parcae thought him one—He played so truly.So by error to his fateThey all consented,But viewing him since, alas, too lateThey have repented;And have sought, to give new birth,In baths to steep him;But being much too good for earth,Heaven vows to keep him.
JOHN FLETCHER 1579–1625