Henry Alford

Sonnet LXXX. My Ancestors.

Unknown it is to me, who handed down From sire to son mine humble family; Whether they dwelt in low obscurity, Or by achievements purchased high renown: Whether with princely or baronial crown Their brows were bound, or martyr--wreath of flame: No glories mark the track through which my name Hath come: I only know it as mine own. Yet I am one of no mean parentage: The poorest line of Christian ancestry Might serve upon the world's unbounded stage To act God's dealings: all mankind might see More truth than now they know, were this my line Of distant sires their evidence to join.