Ye powers above, why should I longer live,
To waste a few uncomfortable years,
To drown myself in tears,
For what my sighs and pray'rs can ne'er retrieve?
Coridon &c.] This and the following poems ([pp. 375-407]) were added in the collected edition of 1686. Alexis is no doubt the Thomas Flatman whose epitaph, by his father, is printed on p. 414. This and the following poem were sent to Sancroft, with the accompanying letter, preserved in Tanner MS. xxxiv (fol. 235) of the Bodleian:—
My Lord
The first Page of the enclosed Paper is the result of his Maitie's, and yor Grace's Commaunds; & the Second of my owne uneasy thoughts on the Death of my beloved Child, who carried yor Grace's blessing with him into the other World. The severity of the Wether ha's delay'd Both much longer than became the bounden Duty of
My Lord
Yo^r Grace's most obedient Servant
& meanest Kinsman