The Lost Leader

By Robert Browning

Elegy
I.     Just for a handful of silver he left us,     Just for a riband to stick in his coat     Found the one gift of which fortune bereft us,     Lost all the others she lets us devote;     They, with the gold to give, doled him out silver,     So much was theirs who so little allowed:     How all our copper had gone for his service!     Rags were they purple, his heart had been proud!     We that had loved him so, followed him, honoured him,     Lived in his mild and magnificent eye,     Learned his great language, caught his clear accents,     Made him our pattern to live and to die!     Shakespeare was of us, Milton was for us,     Burns, Shelley, were with us, they watch from their graves!     He alone breaks from the van and the free-men,     He alone sinks to the rear and the slaves! II.     We shall march prospering, not thro his presence;     Songs may inspirit us, not from his lyre;     Deeds will be done, while he boasts his quiescence,     Still bidding crouch whom the rest bade aspire:     Blot out his name, then, record one lost soul more,     One task more declined, one more foot-path untrod,     One more triumph for devils, and sorrow for angels,     One wrong more to man, one more insult to God!     Lifes night begins: let him never come back to us!     There would be doubt, hesitation and pain,     Forced praise on our part the glimmer of twilight,     Never glad confident morning again!     Best fight on well, for we taught him strike gallantly,     Aim at our heart ere we pierce through his own;     Then let him receive the new knowledge and wait us,     Pardoned in heaven, the first by the throne!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem presents a moving exploration of betrayal, disappointment, and the importance of integrity. The speaker expresses a sense of loss and betrayal, evoked by imagery of a valued individual who has traded loyalty and honor for material gain ('a handful of silver'). This person, possibly a leader or a mentor, has left an entire community feeling bereft and disillusioned. The tone is deeply melancholic and scornful, echoing the pain of unrequited loyalty and the bitterness of betrayal.

The poem's structure, divided into two distinct sections, reflects the shift in the community's perception of this individual—from one of adoration and respect, to one of disillusionment and scorn. The poet refers to renowned figures such as Shakespeare, Milton, Burns, and Shelley, implying that the betrayer had once been esteemed at a similar level but chose a different path. The second part of the poem is filled with powerful metaphors and religious undertones – it is a rejection of the betrayer, a declaration of the community's resilience and an invocation of divine justice. Overall, the poem utilizes vivid imagery, poignant metaphors, and powerful emotions to critique the loss of moral integrity and the destructive power of greed, while also asserting the importance of community resilience and shared values.

Understanding Elegy

An elegy is a form of poetry that expresses sorrow or lamentation, often for someone who has died. This type of poetry serves as a tribute to the deceased, reflecting on their life and the grief left behind.

Elegies are deeply emotional and personal, exploring themes of loss, mourning, and remembrance. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Mournful Tone: Elegies are characterized by a tone of sadness and reflection, as the poet grapples with the pain of loss.
  • Tribute to the Deceased: The subject of an elegy is often someone who has passed away, with the poem serving as a memorial that honors their life and legacy.
  • Personal Reflection: Elegies often include personal reflections on the impact of the deceased on the poet's life, as well as broader musings on mortality and the human condition.
  • Structure and Form: While elegies can vary in form, they often follow a traditional structure that includes an expression of grief, praise for the deceased, and a sense of consolation or acceptance.

From ancient times to the present, elegies have provided a way for poets to navigate the complexities of grief and loss, offering solace and a means of preserving the memory of those who have passed.