On Sir John Roe
XXVII. ? ON SIR JOHN ROE. In place of scutcheons that should deck thy herse, Take better ornaments, my tears and verse. If any sword could save from Fates', ROE'S could ; If any Muse outlive their spight, his can ; If any friends' tears could restore, his would ; If any pious life ere lifted man To heaven ; his hath : O happy state ! wherein We, sad for him, may glory, and not sin. [AJ Notes:Scutcheons, escutcheons, emblazoned shields, which would decorate a hearse buried in state and pomp.]