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Death The Leveller

Author: James Shirley

This Page Includes: Full Verses of the Poem in Text. A Recording of the Poem (Audio). A Free PDF Download for reading purposes. Free Editable Google Doc Download if you wish to make changes or to personalise the poem. The page also includes what the poem is about, structure of poem and explaining the best parts.

Death The Leveller Poem Verses

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.

Audio Recording

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Download Poem

Please note the audio recording may not exactly match the text version as 'Death The Leveller' can be tailored/personalised

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Personalised Poem

Would you like to customise this poem? You have the option to personalise it by accessing the provided link, which will direct you to Google Docs. From there, you can download the poem ‘Memories’ to your personal Google Docs account or Microsoft Word where you will be able to edit the poem however you want.

Personalised Poem

About the poem

The poem reflects on the transience of human glory and power, and the inevitability of death. The speaker reminds us that even kings and those in positions of power are subject to fate and the icy hand of death. The glory and accolades that we accumulate in life are only fleeting, and we must all eventually succumb to death. The poem emphasizes that true worth lies not in one's position or accomplishments, but in the actions of the just, which will be remembered long after we are gone.

The Structure of Poem

The poem consists of two stanzas, each with eight lines. The poem employs a strict and consistent ABAB rhyme scheme, with each stanza consisting of four rhyming couplets. The language used is simple and direct, with clear and concise imagery. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, with each line consisting of four metrical feet, each containing an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. The structure of the poem is designed to emphasize the transitory nature of worldly power and success, and to assert the ultimate triumph of moral virtue and righteousness over physical strength and material wealth.

Best Quote from Death The Leveller Poem

This is a quote from the poem Death The Leveller by James Shirley

"The glories of our blood and state Are shadows, not substantial things... Only the actions of the just Smell sweet, and blossom in their dust."

This quote is a powerful reminder of the transience of worldly wealth and power, and the enduring nature of moral character. It suggests that material possessions and titles are fleeting and ultimately insignificant, while the deeds and actions of a person's life are what truly matter. The imagery of the "cold tomb" and the "purple altar" emphasizes the finality of death and the fleeting nature of worldly glory. The quote encourages readers to focus on living a just and righteous life, rather than pursuing wealth or power for its own sake. It is a timeless message that is relevant in any era or culture.