] Where through the long-drawn aisle, etc. It was the custom to
bury the poorer people of a village in the churchyard, and the rich or
high-born in the church.
[6.] Storied urn. Funeral urns such as were used by the ancients were
frequently decorated with scenes from the life of the deceased.
[7.] Animated, _i.e._ life-like.
[8.] Provoke, call forth, call back to life.
[9.] Full many a gem, etc. One of the best-known stanzas in English
poetry.
[10.] Village-Hampden. John Hampden was an English patriot who refused
to pay taxes levied by the king without the consent of Parliament, and
who died in 1643 from a wound received while fighting for the liberties
of England.
[11.] Milton. John Milton (1608-1674), the author of _Paradise Lost_,
is generally ranked as the greatest English poet after Shakespeare.
[12.] Cromwell. Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658), the famous Protector, is
now regarded by historians in general as one of the foremost champions
of English liberty.
[13.] Still, always.
[14.] Th' unlettered Muse. In Greek mythology the Muses were nine
goddesses who presided over the arts and sciences, song, and the
different kinds of poetry. The true poet was supposed to be inspired
by them.
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