Today's piece is yet another epitaph for a pet: Sydney Smith (1771-1845) wrote the following poem for his dog Nick. I know I shouldn't give in too much to bittersweet feelings, but this is a short, sweet piece with a plainspoken sense of blessing. Says me.
* * *
EXEMPLARY NICK
Here lies poor Nick, an honest creature, Of faithful, gentle, courteous nature; A parlour pet unspoiled by favour, A pattern of good dog behaviour. Without a wish, without a dream, Beyond his home and friends at Cheam, Contentedly through life he trotted Along the path that fate allotted; Till Time, his aged body wearing, Bereaved him of his sight and hearing, Then laid him down without a pain To sleep, and never wake again. -- from The Dog in British Poetry, Robert Maynard Leonard, ed. (London: David Nutt, 1893) p. 175.
About Me
- curator
- Oregon, United States
- loves: you win if you guessed "pets" and "museums". Also books, art history, travel, British punk, Korean kimchi, bindis, martinis, and other things TBD. I will always make it very clear if a post is sponsored in any way. Drop me a line at thepetmuseum AT gmail.com !
3 comments:
That is wonderful, and heartfelt.
Such a beautiful poem. We are a fan.
Mocha Barney, Ashley Pumpernickel and Winniechurchill
Seems as if Nick had a long, happy life.
Post a Comment