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By William Ernest Henley

    The day's high work is over and done,     And these no more will need the sun:     Blow, you bugles of ENGLAND, blow!     These are gone whither all must go,     Mightily gone from the field they won.     So in the workaday wear of battle,     Touched to glory with GOD'S own red,     Bear we our chosen to their bed.     Settle them lovingly where they fell,     In that good lap they loved so well;     And, their deliveries to the dear LORD said,     And the last desperate volleys ranged and sped,     Blow, you bugles of ENGLAND, blow     Over the camps of her beaten foe -     Blow glory and pity to the victor Mother,     Sad, O, sad in her sacrificial dead!     Labour, and love, and strife, and mirth,     They gave their part in this goodly Earth -     Blow, you bugles of ENGLAND, blow! -     That her Name as a sun among stars might glow,     Till the dusk of Time, with honour and worth:     That, stung by the lust and the pain of battle,     The One Race ever might starkly spread,     And the One Flag eagle it overhead!     In a rapture of wrath and faith and pride,     Thus they felt it, and thus they died;     So to the Maker of homes, to the Giver of bread,     For whose dear sake their triumphing souls they shed,     Blow, you bugles of ENGLAND, blow,     Though you break the heart of her beaten foe,     Glory and praise to the everlasting Mother,     Glory and peace to her lovely and faithful dead!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
This poem captures themes of nationalism, sacrifice, and death, all set against the backdrop of war. The recurring line "Blow, you bugles of ENGLAND, blow!" operates as a rallying cry, a call to arms, and ultimately, a mournful dirge. The poet employs this refrain to punctuate the narrative, creating a rhythmic ebb and flow that mirrors the cyclical nature of life, death, and the continuation of a nation's legacy.

The tone of the poem is both somber and reverent, acknowledging the heavy price of victory while simultaneously celebrating the honor and glory associated with patriotic duty. The poet employs vivid and emotive language to evoke images of valiant soldiers "Touched to glory with GOD'S own red," linking the brutal reality of war with divine purpose. The juxtaposition of death and glory, sacrifice and triumph, speaks to the complex emotions tied to war and nationalism.

Structurally, the poem adheres to a consistent rhyme scheme, which lends a sense of order and continuity, much like the relentless march of time and history it depicts. The poet's use of personification, attributing human qualities to non-human entities, is particularly striking. For instance, England is personified as a 'Mother,' a figure of both grief and pride, underscoring the deep, familial bonds that tie individuals to their homeland.

Overall, the poem offers a poignant exploration of patriotism, the human cost of war, and the enduring spirit of a nation, all encapsulated in the mournful call of the English bugles.

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.