At Evenings Hush

By John Frederick Freeman

Elegy
    Now pipe no more, glad Shepherd,     Your joys from this fair hill     Through golden eves and still:     There sounds from yon dense quarry     A burden harsh and sorry.     No piping now, poor Shepherd.     Men strive with violent hand,     And anger stirs the bland     Blithe heaven that ne'er yet trembled,     Save with great spirits assembled.     No more, no more, sad Shepherd,     Let thy bright fingers stray     Idly in the old way;     No more their nimble glancing     Set gleeful spirits a-dancing.     Put by thy pipe, O Shepherd!     There needs no note of thine     For men deaf, undivine....     And lest brute hands should take it,     O sorrowful Shepherd, break it!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a poignant reflection on the loss of joy, innocence, and the transformation of an idyllic pastoral scene into a harsh and violent reality. The recurring character of the shepherd, a traditional symbol of tranquility and pastoral harmony, is urged to put away his pipe—a metaphorical representation of the author's call for silence in the face of brutality and sorrow.

The poem's structure is consistent, using repetition of the shepherd’s actions and the evolving tone from "glad" to "poor" to "sad" to enhance the narrative’s emotional progression. The shepherd's transition from a joyful figure to a sorrowful one reflects the shift in the environment around him, symbolizing the loss of innocence and the encroachment of industrialization or conflict on peaceful lands.

The use of language, filled with contrasting imagery—'golden eves' juxtaposed with 'harsh and sorry' quarry sounds—creates a stark image of disruption and loss. The poem is deeply melancholic, expressing a sense of irrevocable change and the destruction of natural harmony. The call to break the pipe at the end suggests a finality, an irreversible loss, and a surrender to the new, harsh reality. The poet's use of these elements creates a profound commentary on the clash between serenity and chaos, tradition and change.

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.