And Ask Ye Why These Sad Tears Stream?

By Alfred Lord Tennyson

Elegy
Te somnia nostra reducunt. OVID. And ask ye why these sad tears stream? Why these wan eyes are dim with weeping? I had a dreama lovely dream, Of her that in the grave is sleeping. I saw her as twas yesterday, The bloom upon her cheek still glowing; And round her playd a golden ray, And on her brows were gay flowers blowing. With angel-hand she swept a lyre, A garland red with roses bound it; Its strings were wreathd with lambent fire And amaranth was woven round it. I saw her mid the realms of light, In everlasting radiance gleaming; Co-equal with the seraphs bright, Mid thousand thousand angels beaming. I strove to reach her, when, behold, Those fairy forms of bliss Elysian, And all that rich scene wrapt in gold, Faded in aira lovely vision! And I awoke, but oh! to me That waking hour was doubly weary; And yet I could not envy thee, Although so blest, and I so dreary.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem under scrutiny is an elegy, a mournful lament for someone lost, and it revels in themes of love, loss, and longing. The speaker is entranced by a dream of a beloved woman who has passed away, carrying a tone of melancholy and yearning. The dream sequence gives the poem a surreal and ethereal quality, merging the mundane and the celestial.

The poem's structure follows a rhythmic pattern, creating a sense of continuity, which is abruptly disrupted when the speaker awakens from the dream, mirroring the harsh return to reality. The imagery is vivid and rich, with the use of 'golden ray,' 'gay flowers,' and 'lambent fire' effectively illustrating the woman's luminosity even in death. The use of amaranth, a flower symbolizing eternity, hints at the everlasting nature of the speaker's love for the woman.

The poem concludes with a twist of bitter-sweet acceptance; despite the speaker's sadness, they do not envy the woman's blissful state in the afterlife. This speaks to human resilience and the ability to find strength in sorrow, making the poem a poignant exploration of grief and enduring love.

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.