From the Grub-Street Journal. VI. Epitaph on James Moore-Smythe. Epigrams and Epitaphs. Alexander Pope. 1903. Complete Poetical Works

Alexander Pope (1688–1744). Complete Poetical Works. 1903.

Epigrams and Epitaphs

From the Grub-Street Journal
VI. Epitaph on James Moore-Smythe


HERE lies what had nor birth, nor shape, nor fame;
No gentleman! no man! no-thing! no name!
For Jamie ne’er grew James; and what they call
More, shrunk to Smith—and Smith’s no name at all.
Yet die thou can’st not, phantom, oddly fated:	5
For how can no-thing be annihilated?