Matthew Prior's "An Epitaph" is an elegy dedicated to a dead couple by the name of Jack and Joan. The poem makes clear that they are deceased as they lie in a marble stone i.e. a grave as if relaxing. Prior makes a biblical allusion as it is mentioned that they lived for "threescore and one" meaning sixty one years. They lie dead as they had lived, with no regard to the ins and outs of the world. Prior uses an hyperbole "empires rose or fell" to direct attention tot heir apathy. Hence, they remained constantly as days went by, doing absolutely nothing but walking, sleeping and eating; leading a completely passive life. They would not bother having any more children after the four they had were already dead. They were perfectly suited for one another as nether of them had any relatives nor bothered about anyone. They seemed prudent at first as they found perfect balance between morality and finances. They were in full self control as none overstepped ...
Essays on Poems, Prose and Stories