Thomas Gray

Thomas Gray 
He was unquestionably one of the least productive and yet, besides William Collins (1721-1759), 
the predominant poetic figure of the middle decades of the 18th century.
 Born: 26 December, 1716 - London
Died: 30 July, 1771


poet
letter-writer
classical scholar
professor at Pembroke College, Cambridge.



THE Curfew tolls the knell of parting day,
 The lowing herd wind slowly o'er the lea,
 The plowman homeward plods his weary way,
 And leaves the world to darkness and to me.
- Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard (1751)


Fair laughs the morn, and soft the zephyr blows, 
While proudly riding o'er the azure realm 
In gallant trim the gilded vessel goes; 
Youth on the prow, and Pleasure at the helm; 
Regardless of the sweeping whirlwind's sway, 
That, hushed in grim repose, expects his evening prey.
- The Bard (1757)


Hark, his hands the lyre explore!
Bright-eyed Fancy hovering o'er
Scatters from her pictured urn
Thoughts that breathe, and words that burn.
- The Progress of Poesy (1754)
NOTE: Many record the last line as a single quote:
Poetry is thoughts that breathe, and words that burn.