History & Politics

Epitaph of Constantine Kanaris

by William Edmondstoune Aytoun 1813–1865

From Lays of the Scottish Cavaliers and Other Poems (1849) - Miscellaneous Poems

History & Politics

I am Constantine Kanaris:
I, who lie beneath this stone,
Twice into the air in thunder
Have the Turkish galleys blown.

In my bed I died--a Christian,
Hoping straight with Christ to be;
Yet one earthly wish is buried
Deep within the grave with me--

That upon the open ocean
When the third Armada came,
They and I had died together,
Whirled aloft on wings of flame.

Yet 'tis something that they've laid me
In a land without a stain:
Keep it thus, my God and Saviour,
Till I rise from earth again!

MLA

Aytoun, William Edmondstoune. “Epitaph of Constantine Kanaris.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/aytoun/29/.

Chicago

Aytoun, William Edmondstoune. “Epitaph of Constantine Kanaris.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/aytoun/29/.

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