Author: William Lisle Bowles

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    Oh, Mary, when distress and anguish came,
    And slow disease preyed on thy wasted frame;
    When every friend, ev'n like thy bloom, was fled,
    And Want bowed low thy unsupported head;
    Sure sad Humanity a tear might give,
    And Virtue say, Live, beauteous sufferer, live!
    But should there one be found, (amidst the few
    Who with compassion thy last pangs might view),
    One who beheld thy errors with a tear,
    To whom the ruins of thy heart were dear,
    Who fondly hoped, the ruthful season past,
    Thy faded virtues might revive at last;
    Should such be found, oh! when he saw thee lie,
    Closing on every earthly hope thine eye;
    When he beheld despair, with rueful trace,
    Mark the strange features of thy altered face;
    When he beheld, as painful death drew nigh,
    Thy pale, pale cheek, thy feebly lifted eye,
    Thy chill, shrunk hand, hung down as in despair,
    Or slowly raised, with many a muttered prayer;
    When thus, in early youth, he saw thee bend
    Poor to the grave, and die without a friend;
    Some sadder feelings might unbidden start,
    And more than common pity touch his heart!
    The eventful scene is closed; with pausing dread
    And sorrow I drew nigh the silent bed;
    Thy look was calm, thy heart was cold and still,
    As if the world had never used it ill;
    Methought the last faint smile, with traces weak,
    Still seemed to linger on thy faded cheek.
    Poor Mary! though most beauteous in thy face,
    Ere sorrow touched it, beamed each lovely grace;
    Yet, oh! thy living features never wore
    A look so sweet, so eloquent before,
    As this, which bids all human passions cease,
    And tells my pitying heart you died in peace!

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Type of Poem: Elegy

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: The poem is a poignant narrative lamenting the tragic life and serene death of a character named Mary, rich in themes of suffering, compassion, despair, and eventual peace. The tone fluctuates between pathos and serenity, successfully invoking a sense of empathy and reflection within the reader.

The structure is linear, recounting Mary's journey from health through illness to death, and the poet employs numerous literary devices to enhance the emotional depth of the narrative. The use of vivid imagery and personification, such as "Want bowed low thy unsupported head," portrays a vivid picture of Mary's suffering. Additionally, the poet uses a consistent rhythm and rhyming scheme that brings a soothing, almost chant-like quality to the narrative, providing a stark contrast to the harrowing content.

The transformation of Mary's visage from a "beauteous sufferer" to one that "bids all human passions cease" signifies the theme of finding peace amidst suffering. This is further underscored by the final line revealing that Mary died in peace, suggesting a resolution of her internal conflict and suffering, and hinting at the theme of redemption.

The poet's narrative voice maintains a balanced, compassionate stance, shifting between an observer recounting Mary's plight and a confidante sharing personal reflections. This empathetic perspective invites readers to connect with Mary's story on a deeper emotional level and to consider broader themes of human suffering, resilience, and the ultimate tranquility of death.