Sonnets on English Dramatic Poets (1590-1650): George Chapman

By Algernon Charles Swinburne

Sonnet
    High priest of Homer, not elect in vain,     Deep trumpets blow before thee, shawms behind     Mix music with the rolling wheels that wind     Slow through the labouring triumph of thy train:     Fierce history, molten in thy forging brain,     Takes form and fire and fashion from thy mind,     Tormented and transmuted out of kind:     But howsoeer thou shift thy strenuous strain,     Like Tailor1 smooth, like Fisher2 swollen, and now     Grim Yarrington3 scarce bloodier marked than thou,     Then bluff as Maynes4 or broad-mouthed Barrys5 glee ,     Proud still with hoar predominance of brow     And beard like foam swept off the broad blown sea,     Whereer thou go, mens reverence goes with thee.

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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 tribute to a revered figure, likely an accomplished writer or scholar, referred to as the "High priest of Homer." The richly woven tapestry of classical references, historical imagery, and musical metaphors suggests a deep respect for the subject's intellectual prowess and cultural influence. The tone is one of reverential admiration, conveyed through vivid descriptions like "Deep trumpets blow before thee, shawms behind" and "Fierce history, molten in thy forging brain."

The poem employs an intricate structure of rhyme and rhythm, creating a grand, ceremonious feel that mirrors the stature of its subject. The transition from the initial praise to more specific, varied descriptions in the second half of the poem ("Like Tailor smooth, like Fisher swollen, and now Grim Yarrington") lends a sense of depth and complexity to the figure being honored, suggesting he embodies a wide range of qualities and influences. The final lines solidify the subject's revered status, depicting him as a figure of enduring respect and influence ("Whereer thou go, mens reverence goes with thee"). This poem is a robust homage to intellectual and creative achievement, conveyed through rich imagery, careful structure, and a tone of deep respect.

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.