For thee, who, mindful of th' unhonour'd dead,
Dost in these lines their artless tale relate;

This is perhaps the crucial turning point in the poem. Certainly, any close reading must struggle with "thee" and "relate." "Relate" can mean to tell, to recite, which points to the poetic voice; but it can also mean to have reference or to have respect, suggesting anyone who "relates" to the story.

Does this refer to the poetic voice? It would be strange, since earlier the poetic voice refers to itself as "me." Does this refer to the stone cutter of the simple grave memorials? Perhaps, but there isn't a great deal of proof. Does this refer to another passing poet, perhaps the one whose funeral will soon be described? Maybe, but not definately. Does this refer to any reader who happens to be sympathetic to the "unhonour'd dead"? This is how many scholars read the poem. But if so, then you must explain the reference to "thy fate" (96).

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