Epitaph On H. Walmsley, Esq. - In Alverstoke Church, Hants.

Author: William Lisle Bowles

    Oh! they shall ne'er forget thee, they who knew
    Thy soul benevolent, sincere, and true;
    The poor thy kindness cheered, thy bounty fed,
    Whom age left shivering in its dreariest shed;
    Thy friends, who sorrowing saw thee, when disease
    Seemed first the genial stream of life to freeze,
    Pale from thy hospitable home depart,
    Thy hand still open, and yet warm thy heart!
    But how shall she her love, her loss express,
    Thy widow, in this uttermost distress,
    When she with anguish hears her lisping train
    Upon their buried father call in vain!
    She wipes the tear despair had forced to flow,
    She lifts her look beyond this vale of woe,
    And rests (while humbled in the dust she kneels)
    On Him who only knows how much she feels.
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Type of Poem: Elegy

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a poignant reflection on the themes of loss, remembrance, and resilience. The speaker foregrounds the bereavement of a benevolent figure, whose soul was "sincere and true" and whose acts of kindness were a source of comfort to the less fortunate. The poet employs a consistent and rhythmic structure to encapsulate a narrative of mourning, underscoring the sense of sorrow and grief that permeates the piece.

The tone is both elegiac and hopeful, striking a balance between the somber reality of death and the resilience of the human spirit. The use of vivid imagery, such as "age left shivering in its dreariest shed" and "the genial stream of life to freeze," underscores the harshness of loss, but this is counterbalanced by the representation of the widow, who, despite her despair, manages to look beyond her immediate grief. The use of the parenthetical phrase in the final lines emphasizes her humility and faith, suggesting a reliance on a higher power in times of suffering. This subtle interplay of despair and hope, coupled with the vivid imagery and rhythmic structure, serves to create a rich, emotionally resonant experience for the reader.

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.