Coleridge’s Epitaph on Himself

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772–1834)

Samuel Taylor Coleridge, the English poet, died July 25, 1834.

STOP Christian passer-by—stop child of God,

And read with gentle breast. Beneath this sod

A poet lies, or that which once seemed he;

Oh lift one thought in prayer for S. T. C.

That he who many a year with toil of breath

Found death in life, may here find life in death!

Mercy for praise—to be forgiven for fame

He asked, and hoped through Christ. Do thou the same.