Visions - Sonnet - 1

By William Browne

Sonnet
    I saw a silver swan swim down the Lea,     Singing a sad farewell unto the vale,     While fishes leapt to hear her melody,     And on each thorn a gentle nightingale     And many other birds forbore their notes,     Leaping from tree to tree, as she along     The panting bosom of the current floats,     Rapt with the music of her dying song:     When from a thick and all-entangled spring     A neatherd rude came with no small ado,     Dreading an ill presage to hear her sing,     And quickly struck her tender neck in two;     Whereat the birds, methought, flew thence with speed,     And inly griev'd for such a cruel deed.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is marked by a melancholy, elegiac tone, depicting a serene natural scene disrupted by a brutal act of violence. The principal themes of the poem are the transient beauty of nature, the artistry of song, and the harsh intrusion of mankind. The swan, singing her "dying song," symbolizes the sublime power of nature and its inherent fragility, while the "neatherd rude" embodies human brutality and ignorance. The mourning of the birds for the swan's death underscores the unity and empathy of the natural world, in sharp contrast to the human figure's callous violence.

The poem's structure is elegant and tightly controlled, contributing to the overall melancholic tone. The poet deftly uses enjambment to create a flowing, musical quality that mirrors the swan's song, and heightens the shock of the violent act. The alliteration in "silver swan swim" and the personification of the fishes and birds contribute to the poem's rich, vivid imagery. The abrupt, jarring end to the swan's song underscores the themes of unexpected loss and the fragility of beauty. The poem is a poignant lament for the loss of natural beauty and a critique of mankind's thoughtless destruction.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.