Epitaph On Robert Southey

By William Lisle Bowles

Elegy
     Christian! for none who scorns that holy name      Can gaze with honest eyes on Southey's fame;      Christian! bow down thy head in humble fear,      And think what God-given powers lie silenced here:      Wit, judgment, memory, patience unsubdued,      Conception vast, and pious fortitude.      Learning possessed no steeps, and truth no shore,      Beyond his step to tread, his wing to soar;      His was the historian's pen, the poet's lyre,      The churchman's ardour, and the patriot's fire;      While fireside charities, Heaven's gentlest dower,      Lent genius all their warmth and all their power.      O Church and State of England! thine was he      In living fame, thine be his memory!      Thou saw'st him live, in faith expire,      Go, bid thy sons to follow, and admire!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a poignant tribute to a figure, Southey, who is portrayed as a polymath and a paragon of Christian values. The poem's tone is reverential, filled with awe and respect for Southey's vast abilities and his profound impact. The themes interweave piety, patriotism, and the power of intellectual pursuits, presenting Southey as a model for emulation.

The poem employs a structured rhyme scheme, which enhances the solemn, respectful tone. The poet uses several effective literary devices, such as personification and hyperbole, to amplify Southey's greatness. For instance, "Learning possessed no steeps, and truth no shore," suggests his limitless wisdom and understanding, while "the churchman's ardour, and the patriot's fire" attributes to him a passionate dedication to both his faith and his country. The final lines of the poem, a call to action for the sons of England to "follow, and admire" Southey's legacy, underscore the poet's intention to immortalize Southey as a guiding light for future generations.

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.