Author: Algernon Charles Swinburne

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    Not all disgraced, in that Italian town,
    The imperial German cowered beneath thine hand,
    Alone indeed imperial Hildebrand,
    And felt thy foot and Romes, and felt her frown
    And thine, more strong and sovereign than his crown,
    Though iron forged its blood-encrusted band.
    But now the princely wielder of his land,
    For hatreds sake toward freedom, so bows down,
    No strength is in the foot to spurn: its tread
    Can bruise not now the proud submitted head:
    But how much more abased, much lower brought low,
    And more intolerably humiliated,
    The neck submissive of the prosperous foe,
    Than his whom scorn saw shuddering in the snow!

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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a powerful exploration of themes of power, submission, and humiliation. It specifically focuses on the shifting dynamics between powerholders — hailing from Germany and Rome — and the impact of these shifts on their pride and dignity. The poem is set in an Italian town, which provides a historical and geographical context for the narrative.

The poet employs vivid imagery and harsh language to convey the raw emotions of the characters involved. Terms like "cowered," "blood-encrusted," and "shuddering" create a sense of fear and subjugation. A notable literary device used is personification, which brings a sense of realism and immediacy to the events. The crown, for instance, is described as having a band forged of iron and blood, symbolizing the violence and force that underpin power.

The poem's structure follows a rhymed iambic pentameter, which gives it a rhythmic consistency. This rhythm lends a sense of inevitability and continuity, mirroring the ongoing power struggle conveyed in the narrative. The tone is solemn and grave, further emphasizing the seriousness of the themes.

In conclusion, this poem is a deep dive into the nature of power and humiliation. It uses vivid imagery, personification, a rhythmic structure, and a solemn tone to paint a compelling picture of power dynamics and their impact on human dignity.