IOAN EMLYN.
Edmund O. (Edmund Osborne) Jones translation
John Jones was born at Newcastle Emlyn in 1818, and apprenticed to a watchmaker at Crickhowel. He did a good deal of journalistic work and entered the Baptist ministry in 1853. After holding various charges in South Wales, he died Jan., 1873. His fame rests almost entirely on lyric, “The Pauper’s Grave,” which is one of the most popular in the language.
The Pauper’s Grave.
Lo! a grassy mound, where lowers Branching wide a sombre yew, Rises as to catch the showers, Jewelled showers, of heaven-sent dew. Many a one with foot unheeding, Tramples down its verdure brave, Hurrying onward, careless treading,— It is but a pauper’s grave.
Workhouse hirelings from the Union Bore him to his last, lone bed, “Dust to dust,” that sad communion Woke no grief, no tear was shed. Worn by woes and life’s denials, Only rest he now would crave: Quiet haven from all trials To the pauper is his grave.
E’en the rough-hewn stone is broken, Where some rude, untutored hand Carved two letters, as a token Of their boyhood’s scattered band, And when bright Palm Sunday neareth, When the dead remembrance crave, Friend nor brother garland beareth For the pauper’s squalid grave.
Not for him the Muse which weepeth, Carved in marble rich and rare; Even now time’s ploughshare creepeth Through the grass which groweth there. O’er the place where he is sleeping Soon will roll oblivion’s wave: Still God’s angel will be keeping Ward above the pauper’s grave.