Envoy - To Charles Baxter

By William Ernest Henley

Elegy
    Do you remember     That afternoon - that Sunday afternoon! -     When, as the kirks were ringing in,     And the grey city teemed     With Sabbath feelings and aspects,     LEWIS - our LEWIS then,     Now the whole world's - and you,     Young, yet in shape most like an elder, came,     Laden with BALZACS     (Big, yellow books, quite impudently French),     The first of many times     To that transformed back-kitchen where I lay     So long, so many centuries -     Or years is it! - ago?     Dear CHARLES, since then     We have been friends, LEWIS and you and I,     (How good it sounds, 'LEWIS and you and I!'):     Such friends, I like to think,     That in us three, LEWIS and me and you,     Is something of that gallant dream     Which old DUMAS - the generous, the humane,     The seven-and-seventy times to be forgiven! -     Dreamed for a blessing to the race,     The immortal Musketeers.     Our ATHOS rests - the wise, the kind,     The liberal and august, his fault atoned,     Rests in the crowded yard     There at the west of Princes Street.    We three -     You, I, and LEWIS! - still afoot,     Are still together, and our lives,     In chime so long, may keep     (God bless the thought!)     Unjangled till the end.     W. E. H.     CHISWICK, March 1888

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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 warm and nuanced exploration of friendship and memory, threaded with an undercurrent of nostalgic longing. The speaker, likely the poet himself, recalls a vivid memory from the past ('That Sunday afternoon!') that marked the beginning of a deep camaraderie between the speaker, 'LEWIS,' and 'CHARLES.' The repeated use of their names underscores the personal and intimate nature of their bond. The poem also subtly intertwines the theme of passing time, indicated by phrases such as 'so many centuries' and 'so long,' which lend a sense of temporal distance to the shared memory.

The poet employs literary allusions, referencing popular French authors like Balzac and Dumas. These allusions not only reveal the intellectual connections shared by the friends but also elevate their friendship, likening it to the 'immortal Musketeers' – a symbol of enduring loyalty and unity. The tone is tinged with melancholy, especially when mentioning 'ATHOS,' who 'rests' in a 'crowded yard,' implying a friend who has passed away. This melancholy, however, is counterbalanced by the poet's hopeful conclusion that the remaining friends may continue 'Unjangled till the end,' suggesting their friendship's resilience against life's inevitable changes. The poem's structure, a series of contemplative and conversational free verses, effectively captures the fluidity of memory and the steadiness of lasting friendship.

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.