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The Tombs In Westminster Abbey

Author: F. Beaumont

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.

The Tombs In Westminster Abbey Poem Verses

Mortality, behold and fear
What a change of flesh is here!
Think how many royal bones
Sleep within these heaps of stones;
Here they lie, had realms and lands,
Who now want strength to stir their hands,
Where from their pulpits seal'd with dust
They preach, "In greatness is no trust."
Here's an acre sown indeed
With the richest royallest seed
That the earth did e'er suck in
Since the first man died for sin:
Here the bones of birth have cried
"Though gods they were, as men they died!"
Here are sands, ignoble things,
Dropt from the ruin'd sides of kings
Here's a world of pomp and state
Buried in dust, once dead by fate.

Audio Recording

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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 is about mortality and the inevitability of death. The speaker draws attention to the graves of royalty and the fact that no amount of wealth, power, or influence can prevent death. The bones of the once mighty now lay still and motionless, and even the most powerful and influential individuals are now reduced to nothing more than a heap of bones. The poem suggests that death is the great equalizer, reducing everyone to the same fate, regardless of their status or accomplishments in life. The tone of the poem is somber and reflective, inviting the reader to contemplate the transience of life and the inevitability of death.

The Structure of Poem

The poem consists of a single stanza with 12 lines. It is written in iambic pentameter, with each line consisting of ten syllables and following a rhyme scheme of ABABCCDEDEFF. The poem is an epitaph and reflects on mortality and the transience of earthly power and wealth. The speaker contemplates the bones of once-powerful rulers who now lie in graves, unable to move or speak. The final lines describe a world of "pomp and state" buried in dust and forgotten by fate.

Best Quote from The Tombs In Westminster Abbey Poem

This is a quote from the poem The Tombs In Westminster Abbey by F. Beaumont

"Here's a world of pomp and state Buried in dust, once dead by fate."

This quote from the poem highlights the ephemeral nature of worldly power and wealth. It suggests that no matter how great or powerful someone may be in life, they will ultimately end up buried in dust like everyone else. This quote can be used as a reminder to focus on the things that truly matter in life, such as love, kindness, and compassion, rather than on fleeting wealth or status. It can also offer comfort to those who may be struggling with feelings of inadequacy or inferiority, reminding them that everyone, no matter how great or powerful, is ultimately equal in death.