Probably known most popularly for his association with cigarettes and good manners, Sir Walter Raleigh produced some fine religiuos poetry. He led a full and adventurous life, established the first English colony in America, today known as “the lost colony” because of its mysterious fate, search for fabled El Dorado in South America, was improsoned in the Tower of London, and ultimately beheaded–giving him opportunity to declare one of the best “final words” ever: “Strike, man, strike!” to his axe-wielding executioner. His poem, “On the Cards and Dice” inspired this sketch (computer and art tablet).
On the Cards, and Dice
Before the sixth day of the next new year,
Strange wonders in this kingdom shall appear:
Four kings shall be assembled in this isle,
Where they shall keep great tumult for awhile.
Many men then shall have an end of crosses,
And many likewise shall sustain great losses;
Many that now full joyful are and glad,
Shall at that time be sorrowful and sad;
Full many a Christian’s heart shall quake for fear,
The dreadful sound of trump when he shall hear.
Dead bones shall then be tumbled up and down,
In every city and in every town.
By day or night this tumult shall not cease,
Until an herald shall proclaim a peace;
An herald strong, the like was never born,
Whose very beard is flesh and mouth is horn.
–Sir Walter Raleigh
(art by Israel Galindo)
