The Tweed Visited

By William Lisle Bowles

Sonnet
    O Tweed! a stranger, that with wandering feet     O'er hill and dale has journeyed many a mile,     (If so his weary thoughts he might beguile),     Delighted turns thy stranger-stream to greet.     The waving branches that romantic bend     O'er thy tall banks a soothing charm bestow;     The murmurs of thy wandering wave below     Seem like the converse of some long-lost friend.     Delightful stream! though now along thy shore,     When spring returns in all her wonted pride,     The distant pastoral pipe is heard no more;     Yet here while laverocks sing could I abide,     Far from the stormy world's contentious roar,     To muse upon thy banks at eventide.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is an ode to nature, specifically the serene beauty of the River Tweed. The theme of escapism and a yearning for solitude reverberates throughout the poem, as the speaker, a weary traveler, finds solace in the tranquil embrace of the river's surroundings. The river is personified, likened to a "long-lost friend," suggesting the deep emotional connection the speaker has with the natural world.

The poem's tone is contemplative and peaceful, reflecting the calmness the speaker experiences in this setting. The structure of the poem, a Petrarchan sonnet, contributes to this calmness, with its controlled and orderly rhyme scheme. The language is rich and descriptive, painting a vivid image of the river and its surroundings, from the "waving branches" to the "murmuring wave." Key standout literary devices include personification, as well as the use of auditory imagery in the "pastoral pipe" and the singing laverocks, which create a multisensory experience for the reader. The poem ends on a note of longing, as the speaker expresses a desire to remain in this peaceful place, far from the "stormy world's contentious roar." This ultimately emphasizes the poem's central theme of seeking refuge in nature from the chaos of society.

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.