Horace's "Sailor And Shade."

By Eugene Field

Narrative Poem
    Sailor.     You, who have compassed land and sea     Now all unburied lie;     All vain your store of human lore,     For you were doomed to die.     The sire of Pelops likewise fell,     Jove's honored mortal guest--     So king and sage of every age     At last lie down to rest.     Plutonian shades enfold the ghost     Of that majestic one     Who taught as truth that he, forsooth,     Had once been Pentheus' son;     Believe who may, he's passed away     And what he did is done.     A last night comes alike to all--     One path we all must tread,     Through sore disease or stormy seas     Or fields with corpses red--     Whate'er our deeds that pathway leads     To regions of the dead.     Shade.     The fickle twin Illyrian gales     O'erwhelmed me on the wave--     But that you live, I pray you give     My bleaching bones a grave!     Oh, then when cruel tempests rage     You all unharmed shall be--     Jove's mighty hand shall guard by land     And Neptune's on the sea.     Perchance you fear to do what shall     Bring evil to your race.     Or, rather fear that like me here     You'll lack a burial place.     So, though you be in proper haste,     Bide long enough I pray,     To give me, friend, what boon will send     My soul upon its way!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a profound reflection on mortality and human vulnerability, as well as a plea for respect and decency even in death. It is organized into two parts, each with its own speaker and perspective. The first part centers on a sailor who has experienced much of the world but now lies unburied, exemplifying the inevitable fate of all humans, regardless of their knowledge or status. The poet underscores the universality of death by alluding to mythical figures like the 'sire of Pelops' and 'Pentheus' son', thereby situating the sailor's story within a larger human narrative.

The poem's second part gives voice to a ghost, the 'shade', who pleads for a proper burial from the realm of the dead. The ghost's plea underscores the importance of rituals and respect in acknowledging the value of human life, even in its end. This part also introduces an element of superstition, as the ghost suggests that Jove and Neptune might protect those who honor the dead. The poem concludes with a poignant appeal for decency and respect, reinforcing its central themes of mortality and vulnerability. The poet's use of classical references, effective imagery, and dialogue lend a timeless quality to the human experiences and emotions explored in the poem.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.