Cromwells Statue1

By Algernon Charles Swinburne

Sonnet
    What needs our Cromwell stone or bronze to say     His was the light that lit on England's way     The sundawn of her time-compelling power,     The noontide of her most imperial day?     His hand won back the sea for England's dower;     His footfall bade the Moor change heart and cower;     His word on Milton's tongue spake law to France     When Piedmont felt the she-wolf Rome devour.     From Cromwell's eyes the light of England's glance     Flashed, and bowed down the kings by grace of chance,     The priest-anointed princes; one alone     By grace of England held their hosts in trance.     The enthroned Republic from her kinglier throne     Spake, and her speech was Cromwell's. Earth has known     No lordlier presence. How should Cromwell stand     With kinglets and with queenlings hewn in stone?     Incarnate England in his warrior hand     Smote, and as fire devours the blackening brand     Made ashes of their strengths who wrought her wrong,     And turned the strongholds of her foes to sand.     His praise is in the sea's and Milton's song;     What praise could reach him from the weakling throng     That rules by leave of tongues whose praise is shame     Him, who made England out of weakness strong?     There needs no clarion's blast of broad-blown fame     To bid the world bear witness whence he came     Who bade fierce Europe fawn at England's heel     And purged the plague of lineal rule with flame.     There needs no witness graven on stone or steel     For one whose work bids fame bow down and kneel;     Our man of men, whose time-commanding name     Speaks England, and proclaims her Commonweal.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a poignant homage to Oliver Cromwell and his influence on England, merging personal and national identity. The poet presents Cromwell as an embodiment of England's strength and power, a transformative figure who shifted the nation's trajectory towards its 'most imperial day'. Through the themes of power, national identity, and historical impact, the poet reconstructs Cromwell as a hero - 'our man of men' - who redefined England and remains timeless.

The poem's tone is reverential and assertive, which resonates with the poet's vision of Cromwell's forceful, decisive character. The recurring motif of light and the recurring imagery of elements like the sea, fire, and stone speak to Cromwell's enduring impact. Metaphors and similes such as 'Incarnate England in his warrior hand' and 'as fire devours the blackening brand' powerfully articulate Cromwell's influence on England's rise to power.

The structure of the poem, with its consistent quatrains and rhyming pattern, reflect a sense of order and discipline, much like the figure it honours. The use of rhetorical questions, alongside the refrain of 'There needs no...' in the concluding stanzas, underscores the poet's conviction that Cromwell's legacy is self-evident, requiring no embellishment or validation. This poem is a striking portrayal of a historical figure, skillfully blending personal admiration with nationalistic pride.

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.