What Have I Done For You

By William Ernest Henley

Lyric Poem
    What have I done for you,     England, my England?     What is there I would not do,     England, my own?     With your glorious eyes austere,     As the Lord were walking near,     Whispering terrible things and dear     As the Song on your bugles blown,     England -     Round the world on your bugles blown!     Where shall the watchful Sun,     England, my England,     Match the master-work you've done,     England, my own?     When shall he rejoice agen     Such a breed of mighty men     As come forward, one to ten,     To the Song on your bugles blown,     England -     Down the years on your bugles blown?     Ever the faith endures,     England, my England:-     'Take and break us:    we are yours,     'England, my own!     'Life is good, and joy runs high     'Between English earth and sky:     'Death is death; but we shall die     'To the Song on your bugles blown,     'England -     'To the stars on your bugles blown!     They call you proud and hard,     England, my England:     You with worlds to watch and ward,     England, my own!     You whose mailed hand keeps the keys     Of such teeming destinies     You could know nor dread nor ease     Were the Song on your bugles blown,     England,     Round the Pit on your bugles blown!     Mother of Ships whose might,     England, my England,     Is the fierce old Sea's delight,     England, my own,     Chosen daughter of the Lord,     Spouse-in-Chief of the ancient sword,     There's the menace of the Word     In the Song on your bugles blown,     England -     Out of heaven on your bugles blown!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem, while not naming itself, is a passionate ode to England, the poet's homeland. The poet employs repetition, notably the phrase "England, my England," to both reinforce and personify the significance of the homeland in his heart. The imagery of "your bugles blown" recurring throughout the poem symbolizes the call to battle, and by extension, the call to duty and service to the nation, underscoring a recurring theme of national pride and patriotic fervor.

The tone is fervent and earnest, bordering on reverential, with the poet equating England to a divine figure, as seen in phrases like "With your glorious eyes austere" and "Chosen daughter of the Lord." This elevates England beyond just a homeland, but to a near-sacred entity. The poem's structure, with its consistent rhyme scheme and rhythm, further enhances the formal, hymn-like quality of the piece.

Despite the militaristic undertones, the poem also explores themes of resilience, commitment, and a collective identity, particularly in the lines "'Take and break us: we are yours," and "Life is good, and joy runs high 'Between English earth and sky." The poet encapsulates the idea of life, death, and the enduring spirit of patriotism tied to the English soil, thereby creating a powerful and evocative tribute to England.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.