What does the speaker say about the paths of glory in lines 33-36? ( MEG 102 ) ( THOMAS GRAY )

In lines 33-36 of "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard," the speaker says that the paths of glory lead but to the grave. The full lines are:

"The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power,

And all that beauty, all that wealth e'er gave,

Awaits alike th' inevitable hour.

The paths of glory lead but to the grave."

The phrase "paths of glory" refers to the pursuits and accomplishments that are traditionally associated with success and greatness in the world. These might include wealth, power, beauty, and noble lineage, as suggested by the preceding lines.

However, the speaker suggests that these paths ultimately lead only to the grave, or death. No matter how great one's achievements or wealth, they will all eventually come to an end. The phrase "inevitable hour" suggests that death is an unavoidable part of life, and that all of us will eventually meet the same fate.

Overall, these lines convey a sense of the transience and impermanence of human accomplishments, and suggest that there are more important things to value and strive for than worldly success.