'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" by Ben Jonson
The world of literature is a treasure trove of countless masterpieces that continue to inspire generations of readers and writers. One such piece of verse that has stood the test of time is "An Epitaph On A Child Of Queen Elizabeth's Chapel" by Ben Jonson. This classic poem is a heart-wrenching tribute to a young boy who died at a tender age and was a member of the royal choir.
Background and Context
Ben Jonson was a renowned English playwright, poet, and critic of the 17th century. He was a contemporary of William Shakespeare and was a dominant literary figure in the Jacobean era. Jonson was known for his wit, sharp intelligence, and mastery of language. His works were often satirical, and he was not shy to criticize the establishment and the ruling class.
"An Epitaph On A Child Of Queen Elizabeth's Chapel" was written in 1603, in honor of a young boy who was a member of the royal choir at the Chapel Royal. The poem was published as part of Jonson's first collection of poems, "Epigrams," in 1616. The child's identity remains unknown, and scholars have speculated that he may have been a son of one of the choir members or a ward of the Queen.
Structure and Form
The poem is a classic example of an epitaph, a short verse or poem that is inscribed on a tombstone or monument in memory of the deceased. The poem consists of eight lines, each of which is a couplet. The rhyme scheme is AABBCCDD, and the meter is iambic pentameter, which means that each line has ten syllables and follows a stress pattern of unstressed-stressed.
Literary Analysis and Interpretation
The poem opens with a heart-rending and emotional statement, "Weep with me, all you that read this little story." The use of the imperative verb "weep" sets the tone for the poem and evokes a sense of sorrow and grief in the reader. The word "little" is a poignant reminder of the child's age and innocence, which makes his death all the more tragic.
The second line, "And know, for whom a tear you shed today," is a rhetorical question that invites the reader to empathize with the child's plight and understand the reason for their grief. The use of the word "today" is significant, as it suggests that the poem is a contemporary account of the child's death and that the pain is still fresh in the author's mind.
The third and fourth lines, "Death, ere thou hast slain another, Fair, and learned, and good as he, Time shall throw a dart at thee," are a warning to Death, personified as a malevolent force that indiscriminately takes lives. The child is described as "Fair, and learned, and good," which emphasizes his virtues and the tragedy of his untimely death. The use of the word "dart" is a metaphor for the physical and emotional pain that death inflicts on the living.
The fifth and sixth lines, "Crowned with flowers, he is gone; Age, and envy, will rue him long," are a tribute to the child's beauty and talent. The use of the word "crowned" suggests that the child was a favorite of the Queen and was held in high esteem by the court. The reference to "Age, and envy" is a reminder that time and jealousy are the enemies of talent and beauty and that the child's death has deprived the world of a great potential.
The final two lines, "Sweet babes, they shall hope in vain, Who have died before they could sing a strain," are a poignant reminder of the child's innocence and the tragedy of his premature death. The use of the word "sweet" is a term of endearment and emphasizes the child's purity and goodness. The reference to "babes" suggests that the child was too young to fully comprehend the meaning of death and that his death has robbed him of the opportunity to realize his potential.
Conclusion
"An Epitaph On A Child Of Queen Elizabeth's Chapel" is a masterpiece of English literature that continues to inspire and move readers to this day. Ben Jonson's use of language, meter, and rhyme scheme creates a powerful and emotional tribute to a child who died too young. The poem captures the fragility of life and the tragedy of loss in a way that is both universal and personal. It is a testament to the power of poetry to evoke deep emotions and connect us to the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
An Epitaph On A Child Of Queen Elizabeth's Chapel: A Heartfelt Tribute to a Young Life
Ben Jonson, one of the most celebrated poets of the seventeenth century, wrote a poignant epitaph in memory of a child who passed away in Queen Elizabeth's Chapel. The poem, titled "An Epitaph On A Child Of Queen Elizabeth's Chapel," is a moving tribute to a young life that was cut short too soon. In this analysis, we will delve into the themes, language, and structure of the poem to understand its significance and impact.
The poem begins with a simple yet powerful statement: "Weep with me, all you that read this little story." The opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, inviting the reader to share in the poet's grief and sorrow. The use of the word "little" to describe the story immediately draws attention to the fact that the child's life was short-lived. The poet then goes on to describe the child's background, stating that he was "the sweetest flower of the public joy." The child was a member of Queen Elizabeth's Chapel, which was a prestigious position in the court. The use of the word "flower" to describe the child is significant as it connotes beauty, fragility, and transience. The child was a precious and delicate being, much like a flower, and his life was fleeting.
The second stanza of the poem is where the poet's grief and pain become more apparent. He describes the child's death as a "frost" that has "nipped this flower." The use of the word "frost" is significant as it connotes coldness, death, and finality. The child's life was cut short by something that was beyond anyone's control, much like a frost that destroys a flower. The poet then goes on to describe the child's virtues, stating that he was "virtuous" and "full of all grace." The use of these words is significant as it highlights the child's goodness and purity. The child was not just a member of the court, but he was also a virtuous and kind-hearted individual who had a positive impact on those around him.
The third stanza of the poem is where the poet's grief becomes more intense. He describes the child's death as a "blow" that has left him "wounded." The use of the word "blow" is significant as it connotes violence and suddenness. The child's death was not just a natural occurrence, but it was a sudden and violent event that left the poet wounded and in pain. The poet then goes on to describe the child's virtues in more detail, stating that he was "lovely, loved by all." The use of the word "lovely" is significant as it connotes beauty and charm. The child was not just virtuous, but he was also a charming and lovable individual who was loved by all who knew him.
The fourth stanza of the poem is where the poet's grief turns into acceptance. He acknowledges that the child's death was not just a loss for him, but it was also a loss for the court and the country. The child was a "public loss" as he was a member of the court and had a significant impact on those around him. The poet then goes on to describe the child's final resting place, stating that he is now "laid where he hath longed to be." The use of the word "longed" is significant as it connotes a sense of longing and desire. The child's final resting place was not just a random location, but it was a place that he had longed to be. The poet then ends the poem with a simple yet powerful statement: "Death shall boast, till it hath brought down us all." The use of the word "boast" is significant as it connotes arrogance and pride. Death may be powerful, but it is not invincible. It will eventually bring down all of us, and we must accept this fact.
In terms of structure, the poem is divided into four stanzas, each with four lines. The use of quatrains is significant as it creates a sense of symmetry and balance. The poem is also written in iambic pentameter, which is a common meter in English poetry. The use of this meter is significant as it creates a sense of rhythm and flow, making the poem easier to read and understand.
In conclusion, "An Epitaph On A Child Of Queen Elizabeth's Chapel" is a moving tribute to a young life that was cut short too soon. The poem is a testament to the child's virtues and goodness, and it is a reminder that even the most precious and delicate beings can be taken away from us in an instant. The poem is also a reminder that death is a part of life, and we must accept it with grace and dignity. Ben Jonson's use of language, structure, and imagery makes this poem a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.
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