An Epitaph On A Child Of Queen Elizabeths Chapel

By Ben Jonson

Elegy
Weep with me, all you that read This little story; And know, for whom a tear you shed Deaths self is sorry. Twas a child that so did thrive In grace and feature, As heaven and nature seemed to strive Which owned the creature. Years he numbered scarce thirteen When fates turned cruel, Yet three filled zodiacs had be been The stages jewel; And did act what now we moan, Old men so duly, As, sooth, the parcae thought him one, He played so truly. So by error, so his fate They all consented; But viewing him since, alas too late, They have repented, And have sought to give new birth, In baths to steep him; But being so much too good for earth, Heaven vows to keep him.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem, "Weep with me, all you that read", is an elegy, specifically mourning the death of a young boy who was a talented actor, taken from life at an early age. The speaker invites readers to share in the sorrow of the child's passing and reflects on the boy's remarkable abilities, suggesting that he was so skilled in acting that even the Fates (the Parcae, figures from classical mythology who controlled destiny) were deceived into believing he was much older, thus taking him prematurely.

The poem captures both admiration for the boy's talents and grief for his early death, ending with the consolation that he was "too good for earth" and thus taken by Heaven.

Understanding Elegy

An elegy is a form of poetry that expresses sorrow or lamentation, often for someone who has died. This type of poetry serves as a tribute to the deceased, reflecting on their life and the grief left behind.

Elegies are deeply emotional and personal, exploring themes of loss, mourning, and remembrance. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Mournful Tone: Elegies are characterized by a tone of sadness and reflection, as the poet grapples with the pain of loss.
  • Tribute to the Deceased: The subject of an elegy is often someone who has passed away, with the poem serving as a memorial that honors their life and legacy.
  • Personal Reflection: Elegies often include personal reflections on the impact of the deceased on the poet's life, as well as broader musings on mortality and the human condition.
  • Structure and Form: While elegies can vary in form, they often follow a traditional structure that includes an expression of grief, praise for the deceased, and a sense of consolation or acceptance.

From ancient times to the present, elegies have provided a way for poets to navigate the complexities of grief and loss, offering solace and a means of preserving the memory of those who have passed.