Ivor Gurney - Purple and Black
Channel: PoetryProse Project
Date: 03/04/2015

PURPLE AND BLACK 



The death of princes is 
Honoured most greatly, 

Proud kings put purple on 
In manner stately. 



Though they have lived such life 

As God offends, 
Gone fearful down to death, 

Sick, without friends. 



And in the temple dim, 

Trumpets of gold 
Proclaim their glory ; so 

Their story is told. 

In sentimental hymns 
Weeping her dolour, 

The mother of heroes wears 
Vile black — Death's colour, 



Who should walk proudly with 

The noblest one 
Of all that purple throng — 

" This was my son."