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

Death lays his icy hand on kings.

Personification

The correct answer is OPTION 1 - 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.".