A chance conversation with a teacher of English, specifically Mrs Quinault, about my recent article in the Trusty Servant, here, prompted this enquiry into Dr John Burton's presence in poetry, after she raised that she had written an article in the same publication, here, that mentions, in an extract of a poem, Burton's death.
In this blog post, I look at some of the poetry surrounding Burton's life and death. You can learn more about him generally in the video below.
The first extract, as in Mrs Quinault's article, which come from a 'handsome octavo notebook of 400 pages' in the Fellows' Library is by Thomas Le Mesurier. Le Mesurier began writing English poetry under the headship of Joseph Warton, after Burton had left the school. Winchester encouraged its pupils to read and write in English as well as in the classics. The extract mourns Dr Burton.
Cry grateful Sons o’er his now breathless Clay, ‘Twas all he wish’d, this last sad Office pay.
Burton had a distinguished set of alumni including: Robert Lowth, Bishop of London; William Whitehead, Poet Laureate; and Joseph Warton, minor poet, headmaster of Winchester College as mentioned above, and elder brother of Thomas Warton, the successor of Whitehead to the Laureateship.
A story from Robert Lowth's days at Winchester is as follows. When Lowth had committed an offence, Burton required him to 'write a copy of verses on the east window of the college chapel.' It must be said that he did not write the verses literally on the window, but rather about it. Lowth produced such an excellent poem that Burton published it, with some amendments, in a magazine. It appears he didn't even ask Lowth's permission, for fear that he might decline the distinction. Burton's interest and pride in Lowth's work, and Lowth's desire to satisfy Burton's requirements, demonstrates why Burton has so many distinguished alumni.
It is said that William Whitehead did not complete 'verse-tasks', which demands the composition of poetry in a Classical language, instead writing poetry in English. Burton, although initially discouraging, was soon 'charmed with [...] his pupil's productions.'
When Whitehead was elevated to the Laureateship, he addressed Lowth. In his speech, he mentioned Burton and Bigg, the Warden. The second extract from his speech is specifically about Burton.
So le me still, with filial love, pursue The nurse and parent of my infant thought. From whence the colour of my life I drew, When Bigg presided, and when Burton taught.
Th' insatiable hour Extends his deathful sway o'er all that breathes. Nor aught avails it that the virtuous sage Forms future bards, or Wykehams yet to come; Nor aught avails it that his green old age, From youth well spent, may seem t' elude the tomb, — For Burton too must fall.
Joseph Warton, left, like Whitehead, retained an affection for Burton during his life. On the occasion of Burton's death in 1774, he wrote the following verses. The spirit of Burton is consoling the scholars grieving for his loss.
Bathe not for me, dear youths, you mournful lays In bitter tears. O'er blooming Beauty's grave Let pity wring her hands. I, full of years, Of honours full, satiate of life, retire, Like an o'erwearied pilgrim to his home, Nor at my lot repine.
Burton had died on the 24th of January 1774 after being seized with paralysis in the winter of 1772. He was carried round Chamber Court, and buried in the Ante-Chapel, now Crimea, where a monument, below, was placed by his nephew. It was later moved to Cloisters, where it remains today.
John Burton & His Gifts (Series): bit.ly/burtongifts
John Burton & His Gifts (Museum): godtres.wixsite.com/museum/burton-gifts
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