Epitaph On S.P., A Child Of Queen Elizabeth's Chapel

Author: Ben Jonson

Weep with me, all you that read
This little story;
And know for whom a tear you shed,
Death's 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 stage's 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.
Send via Email Share via WhatsApp Share on X

Type of Poem: Elegy

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This touching elegy appears to be mourning the premature death of a prodigiously talented child actor, with the speaker imploring the readers to share in their grief. The personification of Death and the Fates (the Parcae in Greek mythology) as entities capable of regret and repentance suggests a profound sense of injustice over the child's untimely demise, reinforcing the poem's tragic atmosphere. The child’s exceptional talent is highlighted through the phrase, “Heaven and Nature seemed to strive / Which owned the creature”, implying that both divine and earthly forces were in competition for his allegiance due to his extraordinary abilities.

The central theme of the poem is the cruel and arbitrary nature of death, particularly when it snatches away a life of such promise at such a young age. The references to the child's theatrical prowess, particularly his ability to convincingly portray old men, serve as a poignant contrast to his actual age and the innocence that is typically associated with it. The poem concludes with the

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.