gift. Van Merken's predilection for serious subject matter and lofty genre writing is evidenced by her tragedies, but also by two expansive epics: David (in twelve books, 1767) and Germanicus (in sixteen books, 1779). Her final work, De ware geluksbedeeling, published in 1792 along with some letters in rhyme and a few occasional poems, is similar to Het nut der tegenspoeden, a contemplation on life, on the inevitability of sorrow, and the comfort offered by religion. References Bibliography External links Lucretia Wilhelmina van Merken / Amsterdam 1721 – Leiden 1789 1721 births 1789 deaths Dutch writers Dutch poets 18th-century Dutch dramatists and playwrights 18th-century Dutch women writers Writers from Amsterdam Remonstrants People from Zoeterwoude Occasional poets