Epitaph Of Constantine Kanaris

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I am Constantine Kanaris:
 I, who lie beneath this stone,
 Twice into the air in thunder
 Have the Turkish galleys blown.

 In my bed I died-a Christian,
 Hoping straight with Christ to be;
 Yet one earthly wish is buried
 Deep within the grave with me-

 That upon the open ocean
 When the third Armada came,
 They and I had died together,
 Whirled aloft on wings of flame.

 Yet 'tis something that they've laid me
 In a land without a stain:
 Keep it thus, my God and Saviour,
 Till I rise from earth again!

© William Edmondstoune Aytoun