Yorkshire Chess History

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Cronhelm Poem

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Frederick William Cronhelm was rather verbose, being given to pompous speeches, and inclined to write chess-related poetry such as “The Ennobling of the Pawn.”  Rather than reproduce that tedious allegorical poem, another poem is offered as being closer to the soul. In those days, the death of children and young adults was common.  In 1840 Frederick William Cronhelm wrote a poem upon the death of his 12-year-old daughter, Catherine, who was interred with her brother, Henry, who died four years earlier.  His wish expressed in the final verse was fulfilled. A Wreath for Catherine's Grave By the Church of the Holy Trinity,   My Catherine has her rest In the quiet and secluded grave,   On her dear brother's breast. They lie in a green and flowery nook,   Fast by the holy wall The whispering west wind knows the spot,   And there soft star beams fall. It is railed apart from the green churchyard,   That no ungentle tread May press upon the sacred turf,   Where sleep the blessed dead. On the Sabbath day, and at holy tide,   Sweet anthems linger there; And the Miserere's solemn chant   Lies softer on the air. A pew in the church is near that grave,   Beneath the gallery screen, The living there are by their dead   With but the wall between. On the Sabbath-day and at holy-tide,   The severed links draw near; Beside them their fond mother prays,   And kneel their brothers dear. Flowers of the prime, and fresh green leaves,   On every Sabbath-day, The tokens of undying love,   On that dear grave they lay. O let me there beside them rest   Within the anthem's sound; For the waft of unseen angel wings,   Is o'er that holy ground.

Created 25/04/2012

Steve Mann

Last Updated 25/04/2012