Epitaph

By Ben Jonson

Elegy
On Salathiel Peavy, A Child of Queen Elizabeths Chapel 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 he 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, to 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, "On Salathiel Peavy, A Child of Queen Elizabeths Chapel," is a mournful yet beautiful tribute to a young life cut short. The speaker invites the reader into a shared grief ("Weep with me, all you that read") underscoring the universal human experience of loss and mourning. The poem is characterized by a profound sense of sorrow and regret, particularly emphasized through the personification of Death ("Deaths self is sorry") and Fate ("Fates turned cruel"). This gives a sense of inevitability and powerlessness against the natural order of life and death, which even the personified celestial bodies regret but cannot alter.

The second aspect of the poem is the portrayal of the young boy, Salathiel Peavy. The speaker describes him in superlative terms, suggesting he was a prodigy ("The stages jewel") and so exceptional that both Heaven and Nature claimed him as their own. The boy's untimely death is attributed to a tragic

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.