The Poetry Corner

On Bishop Atterbury's Burying The Duke Of Buckingham

By Matthew Prior

I have no hopes, the Duke he says, and dies. In sure and certain hopes, the prelate cries: Of these two learned peers, I pr'ythee say, man, Who is the lying knave, the priest or layman? The Duke he stands an infidel confess'd: He's our dear brother, quoth the lordly priest. The Duke, though knave, still brother dear he cries And who can say the reverend Prelate lies?