John Donne

The preeminent Metaphysical poet John Donne was born in London, in 1572. His father, also John Donne, was a Welsh ironmonger and warden of the Ironmonger Company in the City of London. His mother Elizabeth,

Death be not proud, though some have called thee

by John Donne (1572–1631)

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16

Death, be not proud, though some have callèd thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;
For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow
Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be,
Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee do go,
Rest of their bones, and soul's delivery.
Thou'rt slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,

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