A Lyke-wake Song

Author: Algernon Charles Swinburne

    Fair of face, full of pride,
    Sit ye down by a dead man's side.
    Ye sang songs a' the day:
    Sit down at night in the red worm's way.
    Proud ye were a' day long:
    Ye'll be but lean at evensong.
    Ye had gowd kells on your hair:
    Nae man kens what ye were.
    Ye set scorn by the silken stuff:
    Now the grave is clean enough.
    Ye set scorn by the rubis ring:
    Now the worm is a saft sweet thing.
    Fine gold and blithe fair face,
    Ye are come to a grimly place.
    Gold hair and glad grey een,
    Nae man kens if ye have been.
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Type of Poem: Elegy

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: The poem under consideration presents a somber meditation on mortality and the fleeting nature of material wealth and physical beauty. The lead character is depicted as a proud and beautiful individual, full of life and vanity, who ultimately succumbs to the inevitability of death. This theme is effectively conveyed through the contrast between the character’s vibrant life and their ultimate end, underlining the transient nature of human existence.

The tone of the poem is somber and ominous, underscored by eerie images of the grave and the red worm. The structure of the poem, an alternating pattern of descriptions of the character's life and their death, reinforces this tone. The rich use of dialect, or vernacular language, lends an authentic, intimate tone to the narrative, as if the poet is speaking directly to the reader, or perhaps to the subject of the poem themselves. Literary devices like alliteration ("gowd kells on your hair") and vivid, sensory imagery ("the worm is a saft sweet thing") are used to memorable effect, deepening the emotional impact of the poem. Meanwhile, the poem's ending underscores its themes, leaving the reader with a haunting reminder of life's impermanence and the ultimate unknowability of our existence.

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.