In The Garden At Swainston

By Alfred Lord Tennyson

Elegy
Nightingales warbled without, Within was weeping for thee; Shadows of three dead men Walkd in the walks with me, Shadows of three dead men, and thou wast one of the three. Nightingales sang in his woods, The Master was far away; Nightingales warbled and sang Of a passion that lasts but a day; Still in the house in his coffin the Prince of courtesy lay. Two dead men have I known In courtesy like to thee; Two dead men have I loved With a love that ever will be; Three dead men have I loved, and thou art last of the three.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This somber poem masterfully juxtaposes the natural world's indifference to human suffering, the inevitability of death, and the enduring influence of love and memory. The recurring nightingales, symbols of love, beauty, and poetry, continue their song oblivious to the speaker's grief, underscoring the poignant disconnect between human tragedies and the ongoing rhythms of nature.

The poem's structure, marked by a refrain-like repetition of lines and themes, instills a haunting rhythm that echoes the relentless march of time and death. The repeated phrase "Shadows of three dead men" and the number 'three' in general, have a heavy presence, creating an atmosphere of inevitability and amplifying the speaker's grief and sense of loss. This repetition also provides an undercurrent of obsession, implying that the speaker's private mourning pervades their perception of the world.

The tone is elegiac and somber, with the speaker recounting their grief for the three lost men. These men are described in terms of their courtesy, a quality that appears to carry significant weight for the speaker. The final man, marked by the epithet "Prince of courtesy," lies in his coffin, a stark image of death that contrasts sharply with the vitality of the singing nightingales. Despite the pain of loss, the speaker's love for these men survives, indicating that death cannot erase the emotional bonds formed in life. This theme, a testament to the enduring power of love, adds a glimmer of hope to the otherwise mournful narrative.

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.