Classic and Contemporary Poetry
ON THE DEATH OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 1818, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Death has gone up into our palaces Last Line: May best deserve our love. Subject(s): Charlotte Augusta, Princess (d. 1817); Courts & Courtiers; Death; Epitaphs; George Iii, King Of England (1738-1820); Grief; Marriage; Silence; Dead, The; Sorrow; Sadness; Weddings; Husbands; Wives | ||||||||
DEATH has gone up into our Palaces! The light of day once more Hath visited the last abode Of mortal royalty, The dark and silent vault. But not as when the silence of that vault Was interrupted last Doth England raise her loud lament, Like one by sudden grief Surprised and overcome. Then with a passionate sorrow we bewail'd Youth on the untimely bier; And hopes which seem'd like flower-buds full, Just opening to the sun, For ever swept away. The heart then struggled with repining thoughts, With feelings that almost Arraign'd the inscrutable decree, Embittered by a sense Of that which might have been. This grief hath no repining; all is well, What hath been, and what is. The Angel of Deliverance came To one who full of years Awaited her release. All that our fathers in their prayers desired, When first their chosen Queen Set on our shores her happy feet, All by indulgent Heaven Had largely been vouchsafed. At Court the Household Virtues had their place; Domestic Purity Maintain'd her proper influence there: The marriage bed was blest, And length of days was given. No cause for sorrow then, but thankfulness; Life's business well perform'd, When weary age full willingly Resigns itself to sleep, In sure and certain hope! Oh end to be desired, whene'er, as now, Good works have gone before, The seasonable fruit of Faith; And good Report, and good Example have survived. Her left hand knew not of the ample alms Which her right hand had done; And therefore in the aweful hour, The promises were hers To secret bounty made. With more than royal honours to the tomb Her bier is borne; with more Than Pomp can claim, or Power bestow; With blessings and with prayers From many a grateful heart. Long, long then shall Queen Charlotte's name be dear; And future Queens to her As to their best examplar look; Who imitates her best May best deserve our love. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A BLESSING FOR A WEDDING by JANE HIRSHFIELD A SUITE FOR MARRIAGE by DAVID IGNATOW ADVICE TO HER SON ON MARRIAGE by MARY BARBER THE RABBI'S SON-IN-LAW by SABINE BARING-GOULD KISSING AGAIN by DORIANNE LAUX A TIME PAST by DENISE LEVERTOV BISHOP BRUNO by ROBERT SOUTHEY |
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