To the Memory of my dear and ever honoured Father Thomas Dudley Esq; Who decease
July 5, 2023Of the Four Ages of Man
July 5, 2023On my dear Grand-child Simon Bradstreet, Who dyed on 16. Novemb. 1669. being but
No sooner come, but gone, and fal’n asleep,
Acquaintance short, yet parting caus’d us weep,
Three flours, two searcely blown, the last i’th’ bud,
Cropt by th’Almighties hand; yet is he good,
With dreadful awe before him let’s be mute,
Such was his will, but why, let’s not dispute,
With humble hearts and mouths put in the dust,
Let’s say he’s merciful as well as just.
He will return, and make up all our losses,
And smile again, after our bitter crosses.
Go pretty babe, go rest with Sisters twain
Among the blest in endless joyes remain.
Anne Bradstreet
Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672) was an English-American poet and writer. She was one of the first female poets to be published in the American colonies and is considered one of the most important figures of early American literature. Her works often explore themes of family, religion, and personal experiences. Some of her notable works include "The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America" (1650) and "Several Poems Compiled with Great Variety of Wit and Learning, Full of Delight" (1678).