Author: Algernon Charles Swinburne
I. Queen, for whose house my fathers fought, With hopes that rose and fell, Red star of boyhoods fiery thought, Farewell They gave their lives, and I, my queen, Have given you of my life, Seeing your brave star burn high between Mens strife. The strife that lightened round their spears Long since fell still: so long Hardly may hope to last in years My song. But still through strife of time and thought Your light on me too fell: Queen, in whose name we sang or fought, Farewell. II. There beats no heart on either border Wherethrough the north blasts blow But keeps your memory as a warder His beacon-fire aglow. Long since it fired with love and wonder Mine, for whose April age Blithe midsummer made banquet under The shade of Hermitage. Soft sang the burns blithe notes, that gather Strength to ring true: And air and trees and sun and heather Remembered you. Old border ghosts of fight or fairy Or love or teen, These they forgot, remembering Mary The Queen. III. Queen once of Scots and ever of ours Whose sires brought forth for you Their lives to strew your way like flowers, Adieu. Dead is full many a dead mans name Who died for you this long Time past: shall this too fare the same, My song? But surely, though it die or live, Your face was worth All that a man may think to give On earth. No darkness cast of years between Can darken you: Mans love will never bid my queen Adieu. IV. Love hangs like light about your name As music round the shell: No heart can take of you a tame Farewell. Yet, when your very face was seen, Ill gifts were yours for giving: Love gat strange guerdons of my queen When living. O diamond heart unflawed and clear, The whole worlds crowning jewel! Was ever heart so deadly dear So cruel? Yet none for you of all that bled Grudged once one drop that fell: Not one to life reluctant said Farewell V. Strange love they have given you, love disloyal, Who mock with praise your name, To leave a head so rare and royal Too low for praise or blame. You could not love nor hate, they tell us, You had nor sense nor sting: In Gods name, then, what plague befell us To fight for such a thing? Some faults the gods will give to fetter Mans highest intent: But surely you were something better Than innocent ! No maid that strays with steps unwary Through snares unseen, But one to live and die for; Mary, The Queen. VI. Forgive them all their praise, who blot Your fame with praise of you: Then love may say, and falter not Adieu. Yet some you hardly would forgive Who did you much less wrong Once: but resentment should not live Too long. They never saw your lips bright bow, Your swordbright eyes, The bluest of heavenly things below The skies. Clear eyes that loves self finds most like A swordblades blue, A swordblades ever keen to strike, Adieu. VII. Though all things breathe or sound of fight That yet make up your spell, To bid you were to bid the light Farewell Farewell the song says only, being A star whose race is run: Farewell the soul says never, seeing The sun. Yet, wellnigh as with flash of tears, The song must say but so That took your praise up twenty years Ago, More bright than stars or moons that vary, Sun kindling heaven and hell, Here, after all these years, Queen Mary, Farewell
Type of Poem: Elegy
Date Written:
Date Published:
Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher:
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: This masterfully crafted poem is a poignant ode to a revered queen, with the speaker expressing both admiration and a sense of melancholy. The central theme appears to be the enduring influence and memory of the queen, a figure who commands respect, loyalty, and even sacrifice. The use of the term "red star" in the first stanza sets the tone, positioning the queen as a burning, guiding light in the midst of conflict.
The poem is structured through seven distinct parts, each focusing on different aspects of the queen and the speaker's relationship with her. The repetition of "farewell" and "adieu" throughout the poem creates a sense of finality and loss, yet there is an undercurrent of devotion that never ceases. This emotional tension is a standout feature and is reinforced by the contrast between the harsh realities of "strife" and "fight" and the beauty symbolized in phrases like "love hangs like light."
The poet effectively uses imagery and metaphor to highlight the queen's qualities and the speaker's complex emotions. For instance, the queen is described as a "diamond heart unflawed and clear," suggesting her virtue and strength. However, she's also depicted as "cruel," illustrating the speaker's struggle with his devotion and the harsh realities of her reign.
In conclusion, this poem is a profound exploration of loyalty, sacrifice, and the enduring memory of a powerful figure. Through its emotional depth and rich imagery, it speaks to the complexity of the human experience in the face of authority and history.
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:
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.