On My First Son
Ben Jonson (1572-1637) was one of the most renowned writers of the English Renaissance in literature, whose reputation was only surpassed by Shakespeare. Although he was primarily a dramatist, he also wrote a considerable amount of poetry. In this poem he laments the death of his seven-year-old son, Benjamin (Hebrew for “son of my right hand”) from the plague in 1603. It is a poignant reminder of the shortness and precariousness of life.
Ben Jonson (1572-1637) was one of the most renowned writers of the English Renaissance in literature, whose reputation was only surpassed by Shakespeare. Although he was primarily a dramatist, he also wrote a considerable amount of poetry. In this poem he laments the death of his seven-year-old son, Benjamin (Hebrew for “son of my right hand”) from the plague in 1603. It is a poignant reminder of the shortness and precariousness of life.
On my First Son
By Ben Jonson
Farewell, thou child of my right hand, and joy;
My sin was too much hope of thee, lov'd boy.
Seven years tho' wert lent to me, and I thee pay,
Exacted by thy fate, on the just day.
O, could I lose all father now! For why
Will man lament the state he should envy?
To have so soon 'scap'd world's and flesh's rage,
And if no other misery, yet age?
Rest in soft peace, and, ask'd, say, "Here doth lie
Ben Jonson his best piece of poetry."
For whose sake henceforth all his vows be such,
As what he loves may never like too much.
FAITH Magazine is open to poetry submissions of up to 30 lines and will award a token payment to the author. Email faithstories@dioceseoflansing.org
