Mrs. Browning's Grave At Florence

By Horatio Alger, Jr.

Elegy
    Florence wears an added grace,     All her earlier honors crowning;     Dante's birthplace, Art's fair home,     Holds the dust of Barrett Browning.     Guardian of the noble dead     That beneath thy soil lie sleeping,     England, with full heart, commends     This new treasure to thy keeping.     Take her, she is half thine own;     In her verses' rich outpouring,     Breathes the warm Italian heart,     Yearning for the land's restoring.     From thy skies her poet-heart     Caught a fresher inspiration,     And her soul obtained new strength,     With her bodily translation.     Freely take what thou hast given,     Less her verses' rhythmic beauty,     Than the stirring notes that called     Trumpet-like thy sons to duty.     Rarest of exotic flowers     In thy native chaplet twining,     To the temple of thy great     Add her--she is worth enshrining.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem weaves a rich tapestry of themes that include tribute, heritage, and artistry, while handling the subject of mortality with a tender reverence. It begins by establishing the significance of Florence, as a place of artistic grandeur and as the birthplace of Dante, before moving on to reference the 'noble dead' and the 'dust of Barrett Browning'. This reveals the poem's primary aim: to pay homage to the 19th-century English poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning, who resided in Florence, Italy and whose influence is deeply embedded in its cultural fabric.

The use of the imagery of 'rich outpouring', 'exotic flowers' and 'native chaplet' draws a clear distinction between the Italian and English influences on Barrett Browning's work. The poem asserts that her 'poet-heart' drew inspiration from both cultures, suggesting a synthesis of her English heritage and her adopted Italian home. The structure of the poem, marked by even quatrains and a consistent rhyme scheme, brings a sense of harmony and balance that echoes the theme of cultural blending.

The tone of the poem is reverential and poignant, reflecting a deep respect for the poet's life and work. The poem also employs metaphorical language, referring to her poetry as 'stirring notes' that called 'trumpet-like thy sons to duty'. This metaphor underscores the poet's belief in the power of Barrett Browning's poetry to inspire and incite action. The poem concludes by affirming Barrett Browning's worthiness to be enshrined among the greats, a testament to her enduring legacy.

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.