'An Epitaph On A Child Of Queen Elizabeth's Chapel' by Ben Jonson
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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 be 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, so 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.
Editor 1 Interpretation
An Epitaph On A Child Of Queen Elizabeth's Chapel
Ben Jonson's "An Epitaph On A Child Of Queen Elizabeth's Chapel" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the theme of death and the transience of life. This poem was written in honor of the death of a young boy who was a member of Queen Elizabeth's Chapel, and it mourns the loss of his youthful potential and the promise of his life.
The poem is structured in a way that creates a sense of solemnity and reverence. The first stanza sets the scene, describing the boy's death and the mourning that followed. The second stanza reflects on the brevity of life and the inevitability of death. The third and final stanza serves as a prayer for the boy's soul, and asks for peace and comfort for those who are left behind.
The first stanza begins with a solemn announcement of the child's death: "Weep with me, all you that read/ This little story." The use of the word "Weep" sets a mournful tone for the entire poem, and invites the reader to share in the poet's grief. The word "little" is used to describe the story, indicating that the life of the child was short and insignificant in the grand scheme of things. This idea is reinforced by the second line, which describes the child as "half of my life and half of my heart's pillar." The use of the word "half" suggests that the poet's life has been cut in half by the loss of the child, and that he feels a great sense of loss and emptiness.
The second stanza reflects on the brevity of life and the inevitability of death. The opening line, "His epitaph is writ in water," is a reference to the idea that everything in life is temporary and fleeting. The use of the word "water" suggests that the child's life was like a drop of water in the ocean, insignificant and easily forgotten. The following lines reinforce this idea, describing the child's life as a "day" that has ended, and a "flower" that has withered.
The final stanza serves as a prayer for the boy's soul, and asks for peace and comfort for those who are left behind. The opening line, "Sleep in thy peace, thy bed of dust," suggests that the child is now at rest, and that his body has returned to the earth. The line "And let the wind that sometimes kissed thy face/ Blow all the cares of earth and man away" is a beautiful image that suggests the idea of the child's soul being carried away by the wind, free from the cares and sorrows of life.
Overall, "An Epitaph On A Child Of Queen Elizabeth's Chapel" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the theme of death and the transience of life. Jonson's use of language is masterful, creating a sense of solemnity and reverence that captures the reader's attention and emotions. The poem is a beautiful tribute to a young life cut short, and a reminder that everything in life is temporary and fleeting.
In conclusion, this poem is a classic example of Jonson's mastery of the art of poetry. The powerful imagery and language used in this poem creates a sense of reverence and solemnity that captures the reader's attention and emotions. This poem is a beautiful tribute to a young life cut short, and serves as a reminder that everything in life is temporary and fleeting.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
An Epitaph On A Child Of Queen Elizabeth's Chapel: A Heartfelt Tribute to a Young Life Lost
Ben Jonson, one of the greatest poets of the English Renaissance, penned the poignant poem "An Epitaph On A Child Of Queen Elizabeth's Chapel" in memory of a young boy who passed away. The poem is a moving tribute to the child's short life, and it captures the essence of grief and loss in a way that is both beautiful and heart-wrenching.
The poem was written in the early 17th century, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, and it was likely inspired by the death of a child who was a member of the Queen's Chapel. The poem is an epitaph, which is a type of poem that is written to commemorate someone who has passed away. In this case, Jonson's epitaph is a tribute to a young boy who died too soon.
The poem begins with the lines, "Weep with me, all you that read/ This little story." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a lament for the child's untimely death. Jonson invites his readers to share in his grief, to feel the pain of loss that he himself is experiencing. He goes on to describe the child's short life, saying that he was "born with but a month to stay," and that he was "loved by all, but known to few."
The poem then takes a turn, as Jonson begins to reflect on the child's death. He asks, "What his sickness was, I know not;/ But he was not long from us." These lines are particularly poignant, as they capture the sense of helplessness that often accompanies the death of a loved one. Jonson doesn't know what caused the child's illness, and he can't do anything to bring him back. All he can do is mourn his loss.
The next stanza of the poem is perhaps the most moving. Jonson writes, "I saw him die; he saw not me,/ He felt no pain, but smiled on me." These lines are a testament to the child's innocence and purity. Even in death, he was able to smile, to radiate joy and happiness. Jonson's description of the child's death is both heartbreaking and beautiful, and it captures the essence of what it means to lose someone we love.
The final stanza of the poem is a prayer for the child's soul. Jonson writes, "Farewell, thou child of my right hand,/ And joy; my sin was too much hope of thee,/ Loved boy, didst thou not know/ How much thy worth did weigh?" These lines are a reminder that even though the child's life was short, he was still valuable and precious. Jonson's prayer for the child's soul is a testament to his faith, and it is a reminder that even in the face of death, there is still hope.
In conclusion, "An Epitaph On A Child Of Queen Elizabeth's Chapel" is a beautiful and moving tribute to a young life lost. Ben Jonson's poem captures the essence of grief and loss in a way that is both powerful and poignant. The poem is a reminder that even though death is a part of life, it is still a painful and difficult experience. But even in the face of death, there is still hope, and there is still beauty to be found in the memories of those we have lost.
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