Frater Ave Atque Vale

By Alfred Lord Tennyson

Elegy
Frater Ave atque Vale      Row us out from Desenzano, to your Sirmione row! So they rowd, and there we landedO venusta Sirmio! There to me thro all the groves of olive in the summer glow, There beneath the Roman ruin where the purple flowers grow, Came that Ave atque Vale of the Poets hopeless woe, Tenderest of Roman poets nineteen-hundred years ago, Frater Ave atque Valeas we wanderd to and fro Gazing at the Lydian laughter of the Garda Lake below Sweet Catullus's all-but-island, olive-silvery Sirmio!

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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 beautiful tribute to the ancient Roman poet, Catullus, and his beloved homeland of Sirmio. The repeated refrain "Frater Ave atque Vale" is Latin for "Hail and Farewell, Brother," which directly connects the poet to the historical figure of Catullus, creating a bond across the centuries. The theme of timelessness and shared human experience is strong in this piece, as the poet vivifies the scenery and atmosphere of Sirmio, which have remained constant despite the passage of time.

The tone of the poem is both nostalgic and melancholic, underscored by the vivid imagery of the "groves of olive in the summer glow" and the "Lydian laughter of the Garda Lake." The poet masterfully uses these natural features to evoke a sense of longing for the past, while also expressing sorrow at the loss of the ancient Roman era. The structure of the poem, with its consistent rhythm and rhyming scheme, contributes to the overall melancholic mood, while the use of repetition reinforces key themes and ideas. Despite the sadness, there's also a sense of celebration in remembering and honoring the legacy of Catullus. This blend of emotions gives the poem a rich depth, making it a powerful piece of poignant remembrance.

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.