Author: Thomas Moore

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    While History's Muse the memorial was keeping
        Of all that the dark hand of Destiny weaves,
    Beside her the Genius of Erin stood weeping,
        For hers was the story that blotted the leaves.
    But oh! how the tear in her eyelids grew bright,
    When, after whole pages of sorrow and shame,
            She saw History write,
            With a pencil of light
    That illumed the whole volume, her Wellington's name.

    "Hail, Star of my Isle!" said the Spirit, all sparkling
        With beams, such as break from her own dewy skies--
    "Thro' ages of sorrow, deserted and darkling,
        "I've watched for some glory like thine to arise.
    "For, tho' heroes I've numbered, unblest was their lot,
    "And unhallowed they sleep in the crossways of Fame;--
            "But oh! there is not
            "One dishonoring blot
    "On the wreath that encircles my Wellington's name.

    "Yet still the last crown of thy toils is remaining,
        "The grandest, the purest, even thou hast yet known;
    "Tho' proud was thy task, other nations unchaining,
        "Far prouder to heal the deep wounds of thy own.
    "At the foot of that throne, for whose weal thou hast stood,
    "Go, plead for the land that first cradled thy fame,
            "And, bright o'er the flood
            "Of her tears and her blood,
    "Let the rainbow of Hope be her Wellington's name!"

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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem pays tribute to the great historical figure, Wellington, and uses his story as a broader representation of Ireland's struggle and eventual triumph over adversity. The themes of history, national identity, and heroism are central to this narrative. The tone is one of reverence and admiration, coupled with a deep sense of national pride and hope for the future.

The poem's structure is straightforward, using a consistent rhyming scheme to tell a story that unfolds gradually. The use of personification adds a layer of depth, with History's Muse and the Genius of Erin (a symbol of Ireland) being portrayed as active characters in the narrative. This highlights the intimate connection between the nation and its history. The poem also effectively employs metaphoric language, such as "a pencil of light" and "the rainbow of Hope," to create vivid images that underscore Wellington’s significance. In the context of the poem, Wellington is not just a historical figure, but a beacon of hope, a source of national pride, and a symbol of redemption. He is presented as a hero who has not only fought for other nations but also seeks to heal the wounds of his own, thereby offering a hopeful perspective on Ireland's future.