In Malignant Times

'Within this hollow vault here rests the frame
Of that high soul which late informed the same,
Torn from the service of the state in prime
By a disease malignant as the time,
Whose life and death designed no other end
Than to serve God, his country and his friend,
Who when ambition, tyranny and pride
Conquered the age, conquered himself and died.'
Anon. Epitaph for James Rivers (died 1641) in the church of St Bartholomew, Smithfield.

1. In Time of Civil War

A Doctor: for the Time's disease
He knew no cure: though he could ease
This mind's unrest, that body's pain.
The makeshift home where he was sane
Housed tranquil dignity, that bore
Sober mistrust for Holy War.
...