The Poetry Corner

On Salathiel Pavy

By Ben Jonson

A Child Of Queen Elizabeths Chapel Weep with me, all you that read This little story; And know, for whom a tear you shed Deaths self is sorry. Twas a child that so did thrive In grace and feature, As Heaven and Nature seemd to strive Which ownd the creature. Years he numberd scarce thirteen When Fates turnd cruel, Yet three filld zodiacs had he been The stages jewel; And did act (what now we moan) Old men so duly, As sooth the Parcae thought him one, He playd so truly. So, by error, to his fate They all consented; But, viewing him since, alas, too late! They have repented; And have sought, to give new birth, In baths to steep him; But, being so much too good for earth, Heaven vows to keep him.