Thomas Carew was in the 'Cavalier' group of Caroline poets whose
inspiration was entirely secular.. English Cavalier poet Epitaph
for Maria Wentworth And here the precious dust is laid; Whose
purely-temper'd clay was made So fine that it the guest
betray'd. Else the soul grew so fast within, It broke the
outward shell of sin, And so was hatch'd a cherubin. In height,
it soar'd to God above; In depth, it did to knowledge move, And
spread in breadth to general love. Before, a pious duty shin'd
To parents, courtesy behind; On either side an equal mind. Good
to the poor, to kindred dear, To servants kind, to friendship
clear, To nothing but herself severe. So, though a virgin, yet a
bride To ev'ry grace, she justified A chaste polygamy, and died.
Learn from hence, reader, what small trust We owe this world,
where virtue must, Frail as our flesh, crumble to dust.