Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, EPILOGUE; IN MEMORIAM, CHARLES TOPPIN, by AUSTIN PHILIPS


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

EPILOGUE; IN MEMORIAM, CHARLES TOPPIN, by                    
First Line: Four decades back, obedient to the best
Last Line: In love, as added lustre to your fair renown.
Subject(s): Boys; Gratitude; Youth


Charles Toppin

FOUR decades back, obedient to the best
And truest impulse of your generous heart,
You caught the luckless arm of an oppressed,
Much-bullied boy, and drew that boy apart.
"Young 'Pitts'," you said: (how clear! even now, how firm
Your kind voice comes to me!) "I start a 'House' next term."

"You must not think, in saying this, I wage
War upon any man; for I can fill
My small 'House' easily. I do not cadge
Pupils—but simply seek to save you ill.
You are a boy I'd like to take, so tell
Your father to arrange this—if he think it well!"

And he who heard—much moved, but hiding his
Emotion, as boys do—thus made reply:
"Thank you, sir. Thank you. I am leaving. 'Tis
No use to ask it." Then you gave a sigh,
Shrugged mighty shoulders, mingled with the throng,
Forgot your fine attempt to right a cruel wrong.

Forgot—to be reminded of your deed
(For words are deeds!) when five-and-twenty years
Had passed. To-day, your Malvern sees your meed:
Since that same gesture which once touched to tears
An ardent boy, a grateful man sets down
In love, as added lustre to your fair renown.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net