Notes. This curious epigram is built upon an error. Although Ralegh’s exact date of birth has not been established, biographers typically date it sometime between 1552 and 1554, which would mean that Ralegh was, at the most, only sixty-six years of age at the time of his execution.

“An Epigram of Sr Walter Rawely beheaded at 74 years of his age”

Who best did Calculate the life of man

found threscore & ten years made up his span

If more then to survive, be, to be dead

Life lost not Raweley when he lost his head

Source. PRO SP 14/103/61x (fol. 99r)

Other known sources. Ralegh, Poems 192

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