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On The Monument Of The Marquis Of Winchester.[1]

By John Dryden

Topics: classic

He who in impious times undaunted stood,     And 'midst rebellion durst be just and good;     Whose arms asserted, and whose sufferings more     Confirm'd the cause for which he sought before,     Rests here, rewarded by an heavenly prince,     For what his earthly could not recompense.     Pray, reader, that such times no more appear:     Or, if they happen, learn true honour here.     Ask of this age's faith and loyalty,     Which, to preserve them, Heaven confined in thee.     Few subjects could a king like thine deserve;     And fewer such a king so well could serve.     Blest king, blest subject, whose exalted state     By sufferings rose, and gave the law to fate!     Such souls are rare, but mighty patterns given     To earth, and meant for ornaments to heaven.

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"He who in impious times undaunted stood,..."

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Author:John Dryden

"He who in impious times undaunted stood,..." by John Dryden

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John Dryden

About John Dryden

John Dryden (1631–1700) was an English poet, critic, and playwright who served as the first Poet Laureate. His works—including "Absalom and Achitophel," "Mac Flecknoe," and "Alexander's Feast"—established the heroic couplet as the dominant verse form of the Restoration.

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