THOMAS GRAY

1716-1771

In speaking of Gray, some one has said that no other writer has come
down to posterity with such a small book under his arm; and to this may
be added the statement that every piece in his book shows careful
finish. His fame rests mainly on three poems: the _Elegy_, _The
Progress of Poesy_, and _The Bard_. Of these the _Elegy_ is by far the
most popular, because it expresses in simple and beautiful language
sentiments which appeal to all, whatever their condition.

In character Gray was high-minded, and in temperament reserved and shy.
It is said that after he was acknowledged to be the greatest poet
living in England, people used to watch eagerly for a glimpse of him;
but he usually managed to elude them and to slip away unnoticed. His
sensitiveness may have been due in part to the fact that his health was
delicate and that he was much alone when a child--for all his brothers
and sisters died in infancy. Although unfortunate in his father, he
was blessed with a devoted mother, who by her exertions enabled him to
go to Cambridge University. It is pleasant to know that he warmly
returned her love and that he now rests by her side in the churchyard
at Stoke Poges, which is always associated with the _Elegy_. On her
tomb he placed the inscription "--mother of many children, one of whom
alone had the misfortune to survive her." Gray's friends were warmly
attached to him. With one of them, Horace Walpole, the well-known
author and collector, he traveled on the continent soon after leaving
the university; and although they quarreled and separated the