Call for the robin redbreast and the wren, Since o'er shady groves they hover, And with leaves and flowers do cover The friendless bodies of unburied men.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Webster repeats the call for birds to cover unburied bodies, emphasizing the need for natural concealment.
- In plain terms
- He again urges birds to cover the friendless bodies.
- What can you take from it?
- Seek natural means to honor those forgotten.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does this say about society's duty to the dead?
- Can nature replace human remembrance?
Another view
The imagery may be too graphic for some audiences.
More from John Webster
Call for the robin-redbreast and the wren, Since o'er shady groves they hover, And with leaves and flowers do cover The friendless bodies of unburied men.
Permalink to quote #4 But keep the wolf far thence, that's foe to men, For with his nails he'll dig them up again.
Permalink to quote #6 Vain the ambition of kings Who seek by trophies and dead things To leave a living name behind, And weave but nets to catch the wind.
Permalink to quote #3
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