Usually we’re pretty lighthearted and goofy around here on BarkPost, but there are times when find something so powerful that we can’t help but post.
The epitaph, originally thought to have been written by Lord Byron, was later found to be by his friend John Hobhouse. It was written in 1808 to honor Byron’s Newfoundland dog, Boatswain, who died of rabies. You can find the poem inscribed on Boatswain’s tomb, which is larger than Byron’s, at Newstead Abbey in England.
To all of the pups who aren’t with us anymore and all of the people who have lost a pup, this poem is for you.
Epitaph to a Dog
Near this Spot
are deposited the Remains of one
who possessed Beauty without Vanity,
Strength without Insolence,
Courage without Ferosity,
and all the virtues of Man without his Vices.This praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery
if inscribed over human Ashes,
is but a just tribute to the Memory of
BOATSWAIN, a DOG,
who was born in Newfoundland May 1803
and died at Newstead Nov. 18, 1808.
