now regarded by historians in general as one of the foremost champions
of English liberty.

[13.] Still, always.

[14.] Th' unlettered Muse. In Greek mythology the Muses were nine
goddesses who presided over the arts and sciences, song, and the
different kinds of poetry. The true poet was supposed to be inspired
by them. Gray imagines a new kind of Muse who inspires the writers of
crude epitaphs.

[15.] For thee, who mindful, etc. Gray refers to himself as the writer
of this poem.

[16.] Chance, perchance.

[17.] Swain, countryman. By _swain_ the poets usually mean a country
gallant or lover.

[18.] Lawn, a cleared place in a wood, not cultivated. Now, of course,
the word always means grassland near a house which is kept closely cut.

[19.] Science, knowledge in general, not natural science only.




OLIVER GOLDSMITH

1728-1774