The poet is the first speaker in Bryant's "Thanatopsis," and he recommends that when one feels bitterness or grief at the idea of death, one should walk outside and listen to Nature's teachings. The second voice is that of Nature, who informs the reader in calm, philosophical tones that death is nothing to be afraid of. The third voice is that of Reason, which reminds the poet that everyone must die so that life can continue. This passage is important for two reasons: first, because it is one of the few examples in literary history where someone other than Homer speaks in the Iliad (the other being Nestor); second, because it is one of the earliest poems ever written down. Fragments of both have been found in ancient Egypt dating back to about 1500 B.C. In conclusion, Thanatopsis by William Cullen Bryant is a poem written in 1810. It was very popular during the time of its publication and still is today. This poem is considered one of the early works on depression and suicide.