the epitaph
stop, passenger! my story's brief,
and truth i shall relate, man;
i tell naemon tale o' grief,
for matthew was a great man.
if thou umon merit hast,
yet spurn'd at fortune's door, man;
a look of pity hither cast,
for matthew was a poor man.
if thou a noble sodger art,
that passest by this grave, man;
there moulders here a gallant heart,
for matthew was a brave man.
if thou on men, their works and ways,
canst throw umon light, man;
here lies wha weel had won thy praise,
for matthew was a bright man.
if thou, at friendship's sacred ca',
wad life itself resign, man: