The Hesperides & Noble Numbers/Hesperides/Upon a Child. An Epitaph

by Robert Herrick (1591-1674)

For works with similar titles, see Upon a Child.

180. UPON A CHILD. AN EPITAPH.

But born, and like a short delight,
I glided by my parents' sight.
That done, the harder fates denied
My longer stay, and so I died.
If, pitying my sad parents' tears,
You'll spill a tear or two with theirs,
And with some flowers my grave bestrew,
Love and they'll thank you for't. Adieu.