Weep Not For Him

By A. H. Laidlaw

Elegy
    Weep not for him who, in the battle dying,     Lives in the lays of those he sought to save;     Weep not for him who on the cold turf lying,     Finds in his native land a patriot's grave;     Weep not for him for whom the night wind, sighing,     Spreads o'er his bier the banner of the brave;     But, o'er the ashes of the dead hussar,     Shout to the thunder and the trump of war.     Go weep for her who, by her Love's side sighing,     Gives to the grave the form she loved so well;     And weep for her who meets no soft replying     To the sweet story she would die to tell;     Aye, weep for her whose Love, to Lethe flying,     Left on her lip no mark of his farewell;     Oh, weep for her whose star of life is dim;     Weep, weep for her; but weep no more for him.

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Elegys
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This eloquent poem explores themes of war, death, patriotism, and the contrast between public and private mourning. The structure is marked by balanced refrains, each stanza beginning with an admonition not to weep for the fallen soldier but to celebrate his patriotic sacrifice, and ending with a call to grieve for the woman left behind. The poet employs a somber, contemplative tone to portray the harsh realities of war and its aftermath.

The poet's use of vivid imagery, "on the cold turf lying" and "his bier the banner of the brave," instills a sense of noble sacrifice, while the repetition of "weep not for him" underscores the societal expectation of seeing the soldier's death as an honorable act. The second stanza, in contrast, evokes deep sympathy for the woman, highlighting the personal and emotional cost of war. The phrase "weep, weep for her" brings home the poignant message that private grief is as significant as public mourning. The poem is a powerful reminder of the dual faces of war — the celebrated heroism of the fallen and the silent suffering of those left behind.

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.