From the given options, select the Figure of Speech (Poetic Device) used in the expression:

Death lays his icy hand on kings.

Personification

The figure of speech used in the expression "Death lays his icy hand on kings" is personification.

Personification is a figure of speech in which inanimate objects are given human qualities. In this case, death is being given the human qualities of having a hand and being able to lay it on someone. This creates a sense of death as being a powerful and active force.

The other answer choices are incorrect. Pun is a play on words. Metaphor is a comparison between two things without using the words "like" or "as." Simile is a comparison between two things using the words "like" or "as." None of these devices are used in the expression "Death lays his icy hand on kings.".

The word "hand" is being used metaphorically to describe the power of death. Death does not actually have a hand, but the speaker is using the word to create a sense of death's cold and inescapable grip.