A Daughter Of The States.

Author: Madison Julius Cawein

    She has the eyes of some barbarian Queen
    Leading her wild tribes into battle; eyes,
    Wherein th' unconquerable soul defies,
    And Love sits throned, imperious and serene.

    And I have thought that Liberty, alone
    Among the mountain stars, might look like her,
    Kneeling to GOD, her only emperor,
    Kindling her torch on FREEDOM'S altar-stone.

    For in her self, regal with riches of
    Beauty and youth, again those Queens seem born - 
    BOADICEA, meeting scorn with scorn,
    And ERMENGARDE, returning love for love.
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is rich in historic and royal imagery, combining elements of power, beauty, defiance, and love to craft a portrait of an enigmatic woman. The speaker likens her to a 'barbarian Queen', emphasizing her strength and spirit, encapsulated in her 'unconquerable soul'. The tone is one of admiration, almost bordering on worship, as the speaker perceives her as a symbol of liberty, equating her to divine entities.

The structure of the poem, consisting of three quatrains, helps cement this grand narrative, with each stanza introducing a different aspect of the woman's character. The poem also employs several key literary devices, such as metaphor and allusion. The metaphor of the woman's eyes as a battlefield is particularly striking, suggesting both her ferocity and allure. The allusions to historical queens Boadicea and Ermengarde further enhance her majestic image. The poem's themes of female empowerment, love, and freedom are intertwined in a way that elevates the woman to an almost mythical status, making her a symbol of the indomitable spirit of womanhood.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.