To Sir Walter Scott. -

By William Lisle Bowles

Sonnet
    Since last I saw that countenance so mild,     Slow-stealing age, and a faint line of care,     Had gently touched, methought, some features there;     Yet looked the man as placid as a child,     And the same voice, whilst mingled with the throng,     Unknowing, and unknown, we passed along,     That voice, a share of the brief time beguiled!     That voice I ne'er may hear again, I sighed     At parting, wheresoe'er our various way,     In this great world, but from the banks of Tweed,     As slowly sink the shades of eventide,     Oh! I shall hear the music of his reed,     Far off, and thinking of that voice, shall say,     A blessing rest upon thy locks of gray!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem, steeped in both affection and melancholy, explores themes of aging, change, and the passage of time. The poet's use of gentle, evocative imagery paints a tender portrait of the subject, whose countenance has been subtly marked by "slow-stealing age," yet retains an air of placidity. The use of the phrase "as placid as a child" creates a poignant juxtaposition between youth and age, suggesting a continuity of character that endures despite the physical transformations wrought by time.

The poem's tone oscillates between nostalgia and acceptance, particularly evident in the speaker's lament that they may never hear the subject's voice again. The poem's structure supports this emotional progression, starting with a reflective observation, moving through a poignant sense of loss, and finally resolving in a beautiful, hopeful benediction for the subject's future. The closing lines, where the speaker imagines hearing the subject's music from afar, reinforce the enduring influence of the subject on the speaker's life. The use of the natural imagery of eventide and the banks of Tweed adds a layer of serene beauty to this sentiment. This poem, therefore, is a testament to the power of memory and the enduring connections between people, despite the relentless march of time.

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.