Robert Blair
Robert Blair
Robert Blairwas a Scottish poet. His fame rests upon his poem The Grave, which, in a later printing was illustrated by William Blake...
NationalityScottish
ProfessionPoet
Date of Birth17 April 1699
bed dead gentle maker
See yonder maker of the dead man's bed, The sexton, hoary-headed chronicle, Of hard, unmeaning face, down which ne'er stole A gentle tear.
environment home kid rigor structure trying
We're trying to get that kid who has all the gifts, but doesn't have the structure -- that home environment -- and give him the support, challenges, rigor and expectations that a boarding-school environment provides.
aloud bear courage whistling
The schoolboy, with his satchel in his hand,/ Whistling aloud to bear his courage up.
smiled
Smiled like yon knot of cowslips on a cliff.
far good scorned short visits
The good he scorned Stalked off reluctant, like an ill-used ghost, Not to return; or if it did, in visits Like those of angels, short and far between.
numbers giving long
Our time is fixed, and all our days are number'd; How long, how short, we know not:—this we know, Duty requires we calmly wait the summons, Nor dare to stir till Heaven shall give permission.
joy remembrance departed
Of joys departed, not to return, how painful the remembrance
courage bears whistling
Whistling aloud to bear his courage up.
stupid arrows guilt
How blunt are all the arrows of thy quiver in comparison with those of guilt.
fear men firmness
The grave, dread thing! Men shiver when thou'rt named: Nature appalled, Shakes off her wonted firmness.
angel return ghost
The good he scorn'd Stalk'd off reluctant, like an ill-us'd ghost, Not to return; or if it did, its visits Like those of angels, short, and far between.
nature genius action
Action, so to speak, is the genius of nature.
night night-time draws
When it draws near to witching time of night.
suicide common damn
The common damn'd shun their society.