Author: Algernon Charles Swinburne

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I.

    At threescore years and five aroused anew
    To rule in India, forth a soldier went
    On whose bright-fronted youth fierce war had spent
    Its iron stress of storm, till glory grew
    Full as the red sun waned on Waterloo.
    Landing, he met the word from England sent
    Which bade him yield up rule: and he, content,
    Resigned it, as a mightier warriors due;
    And wrote as one rejoicing to record
    That from the first his royal heart was lord
    Of its own pride or pain; that thought was none
    Therein save this, that in her perilous strait
    England, whose womb brings forth her sons so great,
    Should choose to serve her first her mightiest son.



II.

    Glory beyond all flight of warlike fame
    Go with the warriors memory who preferred
    To praise of men whereby mens hearts are stirred,
    And acclamation of his own proud name
    With blare of trumpet-blasts and sound and flame
    Of pageant honour, and the titular word
    That only wins men worship of the herd,
    His countrys sovereign good: who overcame
    Pride, wrath, and hope of all high chance on earth,
    For this lands love that gave his great heart birth.
    O nursling of the sea-winds and the sea,
    Immortal England, goddess ocean-born,
    What shall thy children fear, what strengths not scorn,
    While children of such mould are born to thee?

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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 compelling narrative of patriotism, honor, and self-sacrifice. The poet uses the journey of a soldier, aged yet determined, to explore these themes. The soldier's acceptance of a command to relinquish control, depicted as a noble act, underlines the concepts of duty and subservience to a higher cause, namely, the nation. The tone is reverential and admiring, underscored by the detailed descriptions of the soldier's battle-scarred past and his noble resignation.

The poem is structured in two parts, each focusing on different aspects of the soldier's character. The first part concentrates on his past and his acceptance of a humbler role, while the second part expands on his value system, which prioritizes his country's welfare over personal glory. The poet employs imagery effectively, particularly in the second part, to evoke a sense of national pride and unity. The soldier's sacrifice is juxtaposed with the image of "Immortal England, goddess ocean-born," a metaphor that elevates the status of the nation, and the poet's use of rhetorical questions in the final lines leaves a potent impression of the nation's strength and resilience. The poem's rhythm and rhyme scheme also contribute to its compelling narrative flow, underscoring the soldier's journey and the poet's themes. Overall, the poem is an eloquent tribute to the ideals of patriotism and selfless service.