Whoe'er Thou Art Whose Pat In Summer Lies

Author: Mark Akenside

Whoe'er thou art whose path in summer lies
Through yonder village, turn thee where the grove
Of branching oaks a rural palace old
Imbosoms. there dwells Albert, generous lord
Of all the harvest round. and onward thence
A low plain chapel fronts the morning light
Fast by a silent riv'let. Humbly walk,
O stranger, o'er the consecrated ground;
And on that verdant hilloc, which thou see'st
Beset with osiers, let thy pious hand
Sprinkle fresh water from the brook and strew
Sweet-smelling flowers. for there doth Edmund rest,
The learned shepherd; for each rural art
Fam'd, and for songs harmonious, and the woes
Of ill-requited love. The faithless pride
Of fair Matilda sank him to the grave
In manhood's prime. But soon did righteous heaven
With tears, with sharp remorse, and pining care,
Avenge her falsehood. nor could all the gold
And nuptial pomp, which lur'd her plighted faith
From Edmund to a loftier husband's home,
Relieve her breaking heart, or turn aside
The strokes of death. Go, traveler; relate
The mournful story. haply some fair maid
May hold it in remembrance, and be taught
That riches cannot pay for truth or love.
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Type of Poem: Narrative Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: The poem is a poignant narrative that explores themes of love, betrayal, and the inherent value of truth and virtue over material wealth. It engages the reader directly, using the second person to guide the reader - or "traveler" - through a pastoral landscape, ultimately leading to a grave and a tragic tale. The tone of the poem is reflective and cautionary, imbuing the bucolic scenery with a sense of melancholy.

The poem's structure and use of language reflect the pastoral tradition, with its emphasis on rural settings and its idealization of the shepherd's lifestyle. The central characters, Albert and Edmund, embody different aspects of this idealized rural life. Albert is the "generous lord" who embodies nobility and bounty, while Edmund, the "learned shepherd," represents pastoral wisdom and the emotional depth associated with the poetic tradition. The central story of Edmund's unrequited love for Matilda, her betrayal, and her subsequent regret and demise, serves as a morality tale warning against valuing wealth and status over fidelity and love.

The use of the traveler as a narrative device, tasked with spreading Edmund's story, gives the poem a timeless quality. It suggests the poet's desire to communicate moral lessons beyond the immediate context of the poem. The use of imagery, such as the "branching oaks," the "low plain chapel," and the "silent riv'let," adds to the poem's evocative power, creating a vivid, tangible world that heightens the emotional impact of the narrative. Overall, the poem is a compelling blend of pastoral tradition, moral commentary, and narrative poetry.

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.