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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


EPITAPH ON SIR WILLIAM PEERE WILLIAMS, CAPTAIN IN BURGOGYNE'S DRAGOONS by THOMAS GRAY

Poet Analysis

First Line: HERE, FOREMOST IN THE DANG'ROUS PATHS OF FAME
Last Line: WHERE MELANCHOLY FRIENDSHIP BENDS AND WEEPS.
Subject(s): CONSOLATION;

HERE, foremost in the dang'rous paths of fame,
Young Williams fought for England's fair renown;
His mind each Muse, each Grace adorn'd his frame,
Nor Envy dared to view him with a frown.

At Aix, uncall'd his maiden-sword he drew,
(There first in blood his infant glory seal'd)
From fortune, pleasure, science, love, he flew,
And scorn'd repose, when Britain took the field.

With eyes of flame and cool intrepid breast,
Victor he stood on Belleisle's rocky steeps:
Ah gallant Youth! this marble tells the rest,
Where melancholy Friendship bends and weeps.



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