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**Thanks, Jude
Between 1985 and 1992 a small group of fifth formers at Wesley College, Dublin, wrote to famous people asking them to name their favourite poem, giving the reasons why. Those who replied had their letter and chosen poem published in booklet form by the students, and the proceeds were given to charity. Eventually 4 booklets became an anthology entitled LIFELINES, published professionally in Dublin, with royalties going to CONCERN. Here is Ken's entry:
30 January 1992
Thank you for your letter to Kenneth Branagh.
His favourite poem/song is 'Fear No More the Heat o' the Sun' from Shakespeare's Cymbeline.
He feels it is the most moving and beautiful commentary on life and death. Simple and profound.
Wishing you every success with Lifelines.
Yours truly,
Tamar Thomas
Assistant to Mr Branagh
Fear No More The Heat O' The Sun
Fear no more the heat o' the sun,
Nor the furious winter's rages;
Thou thy wordly task has done,
Home art gone, and ta'en thy wages;
Golden lads and girls all must
As chimney-sweepers, come to dust.
Fear no more the frown o' the great,
Thou art past the tyrant's stroke:
Care no more to clothe and eat;
To thee the reed is as the oak;
The sceptre, learning, physic, must
All follow this, and come to dust.
Fear no more the lightning-flash.
Nor the all-dreaded thunder-stone;
Fear not slander, censure rash;
Thou hast finish'd joy and moan:
All lovers young, all lovers must
Consign to thee, and come to dust.
No exorcizer harm thee!
Nor no witchcraft charm thee!
Ghost unlaid forbear thee!
Nothing ill come near thee!
Quiet consummation have;
And renowned be thy grave!
Some others who contributed are: Margaret Atwood, Maeve Binchy, Barbara Bush, A S Byatt, Cyril Cussack, Judi Dench, Ben Elton, John Gielgud, Seamus Heaney, Glenda Jackson, Doris Lessing, Ian McKellen, Iris Murdoch and Fiona Shaw.
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