by James Beattie (1735 - 1803)
An epitaph
Language: English
Like thee I once have stemm'd the sea of life, Like thee have languish'd after empty joys, Like thee have labour'd in the stormy strife, Been grieved for trifles, and amused with toys. Forget my frailties; thou art also frail: Forgive my lapses; for thyself may'st fall: Nor read unmoved my artless tender tale -- I was a friend, O man, to thee, to all.
Text Authorship:
- by James Beattie (1735 - 1803), "An epitaph" [author's text checked 1 time against a primary source]
Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):
- by Hans Gál (1890 - 1987), "An epitaph", op. 61 no. 2 (1953?), published 1954 [SATB chorus a cappella], from Four Part-Songs, no. 2, Boosey & Hawkes, London [ sung text not verified ]
Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website: 2010-02-07
Line count: 8
Word count: 64