Classic and Contemporary Poetry
DEATH THE LEVELLER, FR. THE CONTENTION OF AJAX AND ULYSSES, by JAMES SHIRLEY Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The glories of our blood and state / are shadows, not substantial things Last Line: Smell sweet, and blossom in their dust. Variant Title(s): Calchas's Song;death The Conqueror;earth's Victories;of Death;the King Of Kings;song: No Armour Against Fate;blood And State;a Dirge Subject(s): Courage; Death; Holidays; New Year; War; Valor; Bravery; Dead, The | ||||||||
The glories of our blood and state Are shadows, not substantial things; There is no armour against fate; Death lays his icy hand on kings. Sceptre and crown Must tumble down, And in the dust be equal made With the poor crooked scythe and spade. Some men with swords may reap the field, And plant fresh laurels where they kill; But their strong nerves at last must yield, They tame but one another still. Early or late, They stoop to fate, And must give up their murmuring breath When they, pale captives, creep to death. The garlands wither on your brow, Then boast no more your mighty deeds; Upon death's purple altar now See where the victor-victim bleeds. Your heads must come To the cold tomb; Only the actions of the just Smell sweet, and blossom in their dust. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A FRIEND KILLED IN THE WAR by ANTHONY HECHT FOR JAMES MERRILL: AN ADIEU by ANTHONY HECHT TARANTULA: OR THE DANCE OF DEATH by ANTHONY HECHT CHAMPS D?ÇÖHONNEUR by ERNEST HEMINGWAY NOTE TO REALITY by TONY HOAGLAND A SONG OF NUNS by JAMES SHIRLEY |
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