Epitaph on the Marchioness of Winchester

by John Milton — a poem card from Justes Mots

Milton's epitaph mourns the Marchioness of Winchester, who died in childbirth after a brief marriage, celebrating her noble birth and virtues while lamenting her premature death. The poem uses classical allusions and pastoral imagery to elevate her suffering, comparing her to biblical figures who found celestial reward. It serves as a reverent memorial expressing grief transformed into spiritual consolation.

This rich marble doth inter
The honoured wife of Winchester,
A viscount's daughter, an earl�s heir,
Besides what her virtues fair
Added to her noble birth,
More than she could own from earth.
Summers three times eight save one
She had told; alas! too soon,…

Themes: sympathy · grief · reflection