Epitaph

Épitaphe

Paul Scarron (1610-60)

Épitaphe
Celui qui ci maintenant dort Fit plus de pitié que d’envie, Et souffrit mille fois la mort Avant que de perdre la vie. Passant, ne fais ici de bruit, Prends garde qu’aucun ne l’éveille; Car voici la première nuit Que le pauvre Scarron sommeille.
Epitaph
A sleepyhead here is laid: He was much less envied than pitied, who a thousand times over was dead, before of his life he was quitted. So don't make a sound as you pass: don't waken him, don't molest: tonight's the first time, alas, that Scarron has had a good rest.

Translation: Copyright © Timothy Adès

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