The Sword of Robert Lee

By Abram Joseph Ryan

Narrative Poem
    Forth from its scabbard, pure and bright,          Flashed the sword of Lee!     Far in the front of the deadly fight,     High o'er the brave in the cause of Right,     Its stainless sheen, like a beacon light,          Led us to Victory!     Out of its scabbard, where, full long,          It slumbered peacefully,     Roused from its rest by the battle's song,     Shielding the feeble, smiting the strong,     Guarding the right, avenging the wrong,          Gleamed the sword of Lee!     Forth from its scabbard, high in air          Beneath Virginia's sky --     And they who saw it gleaming there,     And knew who bore it, knelt to swear     That where that sword led they would dare          To follow -- and to die!     Out of its scabbard!    Never hand          Waved sword from stain as free,     Nor purer sword led braver band,     Nor braver bled for a brighter land,     Nor brighter land had a cause so grand,          Nor cause a chief like Lee!     Forth from its scabbard!    How we prayed          That sword might victor be;     And when our triumph was delayed,     And many a heart grew sore afraid,     We still hoped on while gleamed the blade          Of noble Robert Lee!     Forth from its scabbard all in vain          Bright flashed the sword of Lee;     'Tis shrouded now in its sheath again,     It sleeps the sleep of our noble slain,     Defeated, yet without a stain,          Proudly and peacefully!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a powerful ode to the valor and nobility of a leader, here embodied in the figure of Robert Lee, likely General Robert E. Lee of the American Civil War. The central symbol of the poem, Lee’s sword, is imbued with a multitude of meanings: purity, courage, justice, and ultimately, a noble sacrifice. The repeated drawing and sheathing of the sword creates a rhythmic, cyclical structure, symbolizing the ongoing struggles and hopes in the course of a war.

The tone of the poem is both reverential and mournful. The author hails Lee's bravery, his dedication to his cause, and the respect he commands from his followers. Simultaneously, though, the poet acknowledges the tragic end, the ultimate defeat conveyed through the metaphor of the sheathed sword. The author employs a number of literary devices, including personification (the sword is 'roused,' 'shields,' 'smite,' 'gleams') and simile (its sheen is 'like a beacon light'), to give the sword a life and agency of its own. This animates the poem, making the sword a dynamic participant in the battles it depicts. Yet, even in defeat, the sword, and by extension Lee, maintains its honor and nobility, reinforcing the overarching theme of valor in the face of adversity.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.