<P> The only other example yet discovered of a translation of the Elegy set to music was the few lines rendered into German by Ella Backus Behr (1897--1928) in America . </P> <P> The immediate response to the final draft version of the poem was positive and Walpole was very pleased with the work . During the summer of 1750, Gray received so much positive support regarding the poem that he was in dismay, but did not mention it in his letters until an 18 December 1750 letter to Wharton . In the letter, Gray said, </P> <P> The Stanza's, which I now enclose to you have had the Misfortune by Mr W:s Fault to be made...publick, for which they certainly were never meant, but it is too late to complain . They have been so applauded, it is quite a Shame to repeat it . I mean not to be modest; but I mean, it is a shame for those who have said such superlative Things about them, that I can't repeat them . I should have been glad, that you & two or three more People had liked them, which would have satisfied my ambition on this head amply . </P> <P> The poem was praised for its universal aspects, and Gray became one of the most famous English poets of his era . Despite this, after his death only his elegy remained popular until 20th - century critics began to re-evaluate his poetry . The 18th - century writer James Beattie was said by Sir William Forbes, 6th Baronet to have written a letter to him claiming, "Of all the English poets of this age, Mr. Gray is most admired, and I think with justice; yet there are comparatively speaking but a few who know of anything of his, but his' Church - yard Elegy,' which is by no means the best of his works ." </P>

Who were among the famous graduates of eton mentioned in gray's elegy