Epitaph on the Tombstone of a Child

By Aphra Behn

This Little, Silent, Gloomy Monument,

  Contains all that was sweet and innocent ;

  The softest pratler that e'er found a Tongue,

  His Voice was Musick and his Words a Song ;

  Which now each List'ning Angel smiling hears,

  Such pretty Harmonies compose the Spheres;

  Wanton as unfledg'd Cupids, ere their Charms

  Has learn'd the little arts of doing harms ;

  Fair as young Cherubins, as soft and kind,

And tho translated could not be refin'd ;

The Seventh dear pledge the Nuptial Joys had given,

Toil'd here on Earth, retir'd to rest in Heaven ;

Where they the shining Host of Angels fill,

Spread their gay wings before the Throne, and smile.