EPITAPH OF CONSTANTINE KANARIS

I am Constantine Kanaris: I, who lie beneath this stone, Twice into the air in thunder Have the Turkish galleys blown. In my bed I died—a Christian, Hoping straight with Christ to be; Yet one earthly wish is buried Deep within the grave with me— That upon the open ocean When the third Armada came, They and I had died together, Whirled aloft on wings of flame. Yet 'tis something that they've laid me In a land without a stain: Keep it thus, my God and Saviour, Till I rise from earth again!