Churchyard of Stoke-Pogis, Englanddetails

To this lovely churchyard the matchless “Elegy” by Gray has given an immortal charm. The place has altered little since the pet’s time, save that “yon ivy-mantled tower,” which he described is now surmounted by a modern spire. It seems unsuited to the place, and the ivy (while clinging lovingly to the old wall) avoids the spire as if it were a strange intruder. But this aside, the place is as it was when the poet lingered here at sunset, as “The curfew tolled the knell of parting day!” Beneath its oriel window rich with ivy is the poet’s grave. What an ideal reseting-place for one who has identified his name forever with its peaveful beauty! Standing here what added significance are given to his lines: