Astronomers and star-gazers this year
Write but of four eclipses; five appear,
Death interposing Burbage — and their staying
Hath made a visible eclipse of playing.
Honour, integrity, compassion:
Those three filled up the lifetime of this man.
Of honour: the grave praetorship he bare,
Which he discharged with conscience, truth, and care.
He possessed earth, as he might heaven possess:
Wise to do right, but never to oppress.
His charity was better felt than known,
For when he gave there was no trumpet blown.
What more can be comprised in one man’s fame
To crown a soul and leave a living name?
All his just praise in her life may be read,
The true wife of his worth as of his bed.