Amadis And Oriana

By Madison Julius Cawein

From "Beltenebros at Miraflores"     O sunset, from the springs of stars     Draw down thy cataracts of gold;     And belt their streams with burning bars     Of ruby on which flame is rolled:     Drench dingles with laburnum light;     Drown every vale in violet blaze:     Rain rose-light down; and, poppy-bright,     Die downward o'er the hills of haze,     And bring at last the stars of night!     The stars and moon! that silver world,     Which, like a spirit, faces west,     Her foam-white feet with light empearled,     Bearing white flame within her breast:     Earth's sister sphere of fire and snow,     Who shows to Earth her heart's pale heat,     And bids her mark its pulses glow,     And hear their crystal currents beat     With beauty, lighting all below.     O cricket, with thy elfin pipe,     That tinkles in the grass and grain;     And dove-pale buds, that, dropping, stripe     The glen's blue night, and smell of rain;     O nightingale, that so dost wail     On yonder blossoming branch of snow,     Thrill, fill the wild deer-haunted dale,     Where Oriana, walking slow,     Comes, thro' the moonlight, dreamy pale.     She comes to meet me! - Earth and air     Grow radiant with another light.     In her dark eyes and her dark hair     Are all the stars and all the night:     She comes! I clasp her! - and it is     As if no grief had ever been. -     In all the world for us who kiss     There are no other women or men     But Oriana and Amadis.

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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 rich tapestry of romantic, spiritual, and natural themes, woven together with a vivid palette of colors and celestial imagery. The poet beckons to the sunset, personifying it as a force that can draw cataracts of gold from the springs of stars. There's a sense of lush abundance and vibrancy in these descriptions, heightened by the use of color (gold, ruby, violet, rose-light, poppy-bright). The call for the sunset to "bring at last the stars of night" transitions us from the radiant intensity of the sunset to the calm beauty of the night, symbolized by the silver world of the moon and stars.

The poem then introduces us to a variety of creatures and nature elements, each with their distinct roles and characteristics. The cricket with its "elfin pipe", the dove-pale buds smelling of rain, and the wailing nightingale, all contribute to build a symphony of nature that is both enchanting and serene. This tranquility is disrupted by the sudden entrance of Oriana, whose presence seems to transform the world around her, making "Earth and air grow radiant with another light." The final stanzas of the poem are a poignant encapsulation of romantic love, where the lovers exist in their own universe, oblivious to the world outside. The poem uses an intricate structure, flowing language, and a mix of metaphors and similes to weave a narrative that is both visually and emotionally evocative.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.


Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.