Epigram on Francis Grose the Antiquary
In “Epigram on Francis Grose the Antiquary,” the Devil hastens to claim Grose when he hears that Francis is dying. On reaching the sick man, however, Satan sees every bed-post groaning beneath its burden and is so astonished by Grose’s immense weight that he refuses to take on such a “damnable load.”
By Robert Burns · First published 1789 · Genre: Epigram, Satirical Poetry, Comic Poetry · 79 words
First lines
The Devil got notice that Grose was a-dying / So whip! at the summons, old Satan came flying; / But when he approached where poor Francis lay moaning, / And saw each bed-post with its burthen a-groaning, / Astonish'd, confounded, cries Satan-"By God, / I'll want him, ere I take such a damnable load! "
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Genres
- Epigram — A very short, pointed comic verse built around a final punchline: Satan refuses Grose because of the grotesque burden associated with his bed.
- Satirical Poetry — The poem uses exaggeration, irreverence, and mockery to satirize Francis Grose's physical size and condition.
- Comic Poetry — Its central purpose is humorous entertainment, using an absurd supernatural visit and a crude concluding joke.
- Mock Epitaph — Although Grose is described as dying rather than dead, the verse adopts the deathbed situation and commemorative wit typical of a comic epitaph.
Tags
epigram · satirical verse · comic poem · mockery · corpulence · obesity · Francis Grose · antiquarian · deathbed scene · illness · dying man · the Devil
What this Textopian page supports
Epigram on Francis Grose the Antiquary is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Burns, dated 1789 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Robert Burns
- Date: 1789 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Epigram, Satirical Poetry, Comic Poetry, Mock Epitaph, Burlesque
- Length: 79 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
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