# Chapter XXX explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A satirical epitaph for Salomon, mocking his supposed discretion and valor in battle, calling for roses from rebels and loyalists alike.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Satire

The epitaph mocks Salomon's military record, contrasting 'discretion' (retreat) with 'valor' (defeating the dead).

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

The poem highlights the hypocrisy of praising a figure who retreated and only defeated the dead.

## Character check-ins

### Salomon

Subject of the epitaph; his body is said to repose, with ironic praise for his discretion and valor.

## Key lines

> Here Salomon’s body reposes; Bring roses, ye rebels, bring roses.

Salomon is buried here; rebels and loyalists should bring roses in tribute.

_Opens the epitaph with a call for floral honors from both sides._

> Discretion⁠—he always retreated⁠— And Valor⁠—the dead he defeated.

His discretion meant he always retreated, and his valor consisted of defeating the dead.

_Ironic contrast between discretion and valor, implying cowardice and empty glory._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/xxx
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters