London Types - II. Life-Guardsman

By William Ernest Henley

Sonnet
    Joy of the Milliner, Envy of the Line,     Star of the Parks, jack-booted, sworded, helmed,     He sits between his holsters, solid of spine;     Nor, as it seems, though WESTMINSTER were whelmed,     With the great globe, in earthquake and eclipse,     Would he and his charger cease from mounting guard,     This Private in the Blues, nor would his lips     Move, though his gorge with throttled oaths were charred!     He wears his inches weightily, as he wears     His old-world armours; and with his port and pride,     His sturdy graces and enormous airs,     He towers, in speech his Colonel countrified,     A triumph, waxing statelier year by year,     Of British blood, and bone, and beef, and beer.

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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 vivid portrayal of a military figure, one who embodies the quintessential virtues of traditional British manhood. The poet's use of hyperbolic language underscores the grandeur and nobility associated with this figure, presenting him as a symbol of unyielding strength. The poem's tone is one of admiration and respect, even awe, at the soldier's unflinching commitment and his embodiment of stoicism.

The poem's structure, traditional iambic pentameter with an ABAB rhyme scheme, mirrors its subject's rigidity and formality. The use of imagery is particularly striking, painting a picture of a man so steadfast that even in the face of cataclysmic events, he would remain on guard. This notion is further reinforced through the use of phrases such as "solid of spine" and "nor would his lips move," which emphasize a stoic, unyielding demeanor. The poet also employs alliteration, as in "British blood, and bone, and beef, and beer," which lends a rhythmic, almost chant-like quality to the verse. This, combined with references to the soldier's "old-world armours" and "port and pride," underscores the poem’s celebration of heritage and tradition. Through these elements, the poet presents a romanticized vision of military life and masculinity, encapsulating a sense of national pride and loyalty.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.