Epitaph to a Dog by Lord Byron
Analysis
"Epitaph to a Dog" is a poem by Lord Byron. If you don't know what an epitaph is, it is something written after the death of someone else. It is generally written as a poem (though it doesn't have to be) and it is sometimes displayed on gravestones. In this instance, Lord Byron felt the need to write a poem about "man's best friend". It is written as if it were displayed near the burial site.
This poem is written as one stanza with seventeen lines. It states how great "Boatswain" was.
Poem
Epitaph to a Dog Near this spot Are deposited the Remains of one Who possessed Beauty Without Vanity, Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity, And all the Virtues of Man Without his Vices. This Praise, which would be unmeaning flattery If inscribed over Human Ashes, Is but a just tribute to the Memory of "Boatswain," a Dog Who was born at Newfoundland, May, 1803, And died at Newstead Abbey Nov. 18, 1808.
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