First year intermediate - English - Reference to the Context (poetry)

Reference to the Context from Poetry

Under the Green Wood Tree

Reference to the Context

Introduction

The lines given for explanation are an extract from the poem Under the Green Wood Tree which is the title of a song taken from the play, As You Like It written by William Shakespeare. The play tells the story of two brothers, the Elder Duke and the younger brother, Duke Frederick. The younger brother is very greedy, selfish and ambitious and wishes to usurp the dukedom. He forces the Elder Duke to go into exile and pass the rest of his life in the forest of Arden. The Elder Duke is accompanied by some his devoted companions and followers. Among them is Lord Amiens, who is gifted with a very sweet, melodious voice. The lines given for explanation are an extract from one of the songs sung by him. In this song, he desribes the pleasant and carefree life of the forest. He also extends an open invitation to anyone who wishes to join him in that cheerful surrounding. Such a person should be free from all worldly wishes, and should feel happy and contented to live in the open, natural environment. The only problem one has to face there is the harsh unbearable winter weather.

Lines

UNDER THE GREEN WOOD TREE

WHO LOVES TO LIE WITH ME,

AND TURN HIS MERRY NOTE

UNTO THE SWEET BIRD’S THROAT,

COME HITHER, COME HITHER, COME HITHER:

HERE SHALL HE SEE

NO ENEMY

BUT WINTER AND ROUGH WEATHER

Explanation

In these lines, the singer is giving an open invitation to any one who wishes to join him in the forest of Arden. The singer desires the newcomer to rest under the shady trees and sing a song in such a manner that his voice mingles with the sweet notes of the bird to produce one single harmony. The singer reminds that the life of the forest is free from all enmity and petty rivalries. The only snag in the life of the forest is the unpleasant and unbearable winter wind. If one is brave and willing enough to endure the harshness of the weather, the life of the forest is almost an ideal one.

Lines

WHO DOTH AMBITION SHUN,

AND LOVES TO LIVE I’ THE SUN,

SEEKING THE FOOD HE EATS,

AND PLEASED WITH WHAT HE GETS-

COME HITHER, COME HITHER, COME HITHER,

HERE SHALL HE SEE

NO ENEMY

BUT WINTER AND ROUGH WEATHER

Explanation

In the lines given for contextual explanation, the singer is laying down certain conditions to be fulfilled by one who wishes to come and pass his life in the forest of Arden. In the first place, such a person should have no worldly wishes. He should not be materialistic in his approach and should never run after fame, wealth, power and glory. He should be willing to pass his life in the open atmosphere under the bright sun. He should look for his own sustenance and nourishment and should be contented with whatever he gets to eat. The singer reiterates that the life of the forest is free from all anxieties, problems and difficulties except the unpleasantness of the chilly winter weather.

The Character of a Happy Life

Reference to the Context

Introduction

The lines given for explanation are an extract from the poem, The Character of a Happy Life written by Sir Henry Wotton. In this moralizing piece of writing, the poet points to the sterling qualities of head and heart needed in a person to lead a life of contentment and bliss. Such a person should enjoy full freedom and should never be dictated by others. He should remain steadfast and firm on the path of honesty. Truthfulness should be his most prominent trait. He should exercise complete control over his passion and should never be swept away by his emotions. He should be brave enough to face all the challenges in life and should have the courage to encounter death any moment. He should believe in simplicity and keep away from the evils of jealousy and flattery. The accumulation of wealth and the acquisition of worldly name and fame should never be his goal in life. He should be pious and God-fearing and pass his time in healthy activities. Such a person may bot be playing in riches but he is gifted with all the noble qualities required by a person to lead a contented life.

Lines

HOW HAPPY IS HE BORN OR TAUGHT

THAT SERVETH NOT ANOTHER’S WILL:

WHOSE ARMOUR IS HIS HONEST THOUGHT

AND SIMPLE TRUTH HIS UTMOST SKILL!

Explanation

In the lines given for elucidation, the poet is referring to three outstanding characteristics of a person willing to pass a happy, contented life. Such a person should be independent in all his actions. He should never be a slave to the will of others. His honest and humble thoughts prove to be his best protective device and truthfulness is his most outstanding and remarkable feature.

Lines

WHOSE PASSIONS NOT HIS MASTERS ARE,

WHOSE SOUL IS STILL PREPARED FOR DEATH,

UNTIED UTO THE WORLD BY CARE

OF PUBLIC FAME, OR PRIVATE BREATH;

Explanation

The lines given for explanation bring out some prominent qualities of a person who wishes to life a cheerful, satisfied life. He should have full control over his feelings and should never be swayed by his emotions. He should not be afraid of death and should be bold enough to encounter all the ups and downs in life. He should follow the path of simplicity and sobriety. He should not care for the individual and collective opinion form about him. He should never run after earthly name and fame.

Lines

WHO ENVIES NONE THAT CHANCE DOTH RAISE,

NOR VICE; WHO NEVER UNDERSTOOD

HOW DEEPEST WOUNDS ARE GIVEN BY PRAISE;

NOR RULES OF STATE, BUT RULES OF GOOD;

Explanation

In these lines, the poet is referring to the qualities needed in a person desirous of leading a simple, innocent life. Such a person never fall a victim to the green-eyed monster by looking at others who acquire wealth and reputation. He never gets involved in any kind of evil of sight, speech or hearing. He is not interested in politics and government and is simply aware of the golden principles of a life without ostentation. He realizes that flattery is harmful for both who is flattered and the one who is over-praising. Thus he keeps away from false praise at all cost.

Lines

WHO HATH HIS LIFE FROM RUMOURS FREED;

WHOSE CONSCIENCE IS HIS STRONG RETREAT;

WHOSE STATE CAN NEITHER FLATTERERS FEED,

NOR RUIN MAKE OPPRESSORS GREAT;

Explanation

In the lines given for explanation, the poet believes that a person who wants to live a simple, contented life keeps his life free from rumours by never trying to become a public figure. Such a person always depends upon his conscience and acts according to it. He is not so affluent that people may flatter him and take undue advantage of his wealthy state. Such flatterers often fill their own coffers but when their benefactors are ruined and deprived of their wealth, they accuse them and find all kinds of faults in them.

Lines

WHO GOD DOTH LATE AND EARLY PRAY

MORE OF HIS GRACE THAN GIFTS TO LEND;

AND ENTERTAINS THE HARMLESS DAY

WITH A RELIGIOUS BOOK OR FRIEND

Explanation

The lines given for elucidation points to one of the salient features of the character of a person wishing to live a happy life. Such a person is religious-minded, morally sound, pious and God-fearing. He prays to Almighty God whenever it is possible. He asks God for his benevolence and blessings and not for worldly comfort and luxuries. He passes his time in healthy activities by reading good books or being in the company of good, virtuous friends.

Lines

-THIS MAN IS FREED FROM SERVILE BANDS

OF HOPE TO RISE, OR FEAR TO FALL:

LORD OF HIMSELF, THOUGH NOT OF LANDS,

AND HAVING NOTHING, YET HATH ALL.

Explanation

The lines given for explanation present in a nutshell all the advantages of having sterling qualities of head and heart, so necessary to pass a life of joy and satisfaction. A person who is the master of his won will, follows the path of honesty, truthfulness, simplicity, piety and self-confidence, and is courageous enough to face all the challenges, can definitely lead a life of contentment. He is not bound by the chains of slavery, and has neither the hope of achieving loftier goals nor the fear of suffering a fall. He is not a feudal lord, possessing big estates but is lord of himself, having all the noble qualities. Thus he is able to pass his life in ease, joy and comfort.

The Deserted Village

Reference to the Context

Introduction

The lines given for explanation are an extract from the poem The Deserted Village written by Oliver Goldsmith. The poem presents two contrasting pictures of an Irish village which fell a victim to the cruelty and inhuman treatment of the feudal lords. The simpler, hardworking rustics were forced to leave their native land as a result of the agricultural revolution when the big land owners switched over from general farming to sheep farming in order to earn greater profits. On the one hand, this poem shows the joy and activities of the people before the village was deserted, while on the other hand, it presents a gloomy picture of the same village after the eviction of the rural population.

Lines

SWEET AUBURN! LOVELIEST VILLAGE OF THE PLAIN,

WHERE HEALTH AND PLENTY CHEERED THE LABOURING SWAIN,

WHERE SMILING SPRING ITS EARLIEST VISIT PAID,

AND PARTING SUMMER’S LINGERING BLOOMS DELAYED:

DEAR LOVELY BOWERS OF INNOCENCE AND EASE,

SEATS OF MY YOUTH, WHEN EVERY SPORT COULD PLEASE

HOW OFTEN HAVE I LOITERED O’ER THY GREEN,

WHERE HUMBLE HAPPINESS ENDEAR’D EACH SCENE!

HOW OFTEN HAVE I PAUSED ON EVERY CHARM

THE SHELTERED COT, THE CULTIVATED FARM,

THE NEVER FAILING BROOK, THE BUSY MILL,

THE DECENT CHURCH THAT TROPPED THE NEIGHBOURING

THE HAWTHORN BUSH, WITH SEATS BENEATH THE SHADE,

FOR TALKING AGE AND WHISPERING LOVERS MADE !

Explanation

In the lines given for explanation, the poet points out that Auburn was the most Beautiful village of the area. The rustics enjoyed good health and found all the necessities of life in abundance. They worked hard and remained happy. The first signs of the spring were visible and summer lasted the longest. The poet had passed his childhood and early youth in this village. He had participated in different kinds of activities. He had observed all the beautiful sights of Nature. He had seen the beautiful cottages and the picturesque natural surrounding. He had also admired the flowing stream, the working mill and the ploughed fields. The seats under the trees were occupied either by the old, fond of talking all the time or the young lovers whispering to each other.

Lines

HOW OFTEN HAVE I BLEST THE COMING DAY,

WHEN TOIL REMITTING LENT ITS TURN TO PLAY,

AND ALL THE VILLAGE TRAIN, FROM LABOUR FREE,

LED UP THEIR SPORTS BENEATH THE SPREADING TREE;

WILL MANY A PASTIME CIRCLED IN THE SHADE,

THE YOUNG CONTENDING AS THE OLD SURVEYED;

AND MANY A GAMBOL FROLICKED O’ER THE GROUND,

AND SLEIGHTS OF ART AND FEATS OF STRENGTH WENT ROUND;

AND STILL AS EACH REPEATED PLEASURE TIRED,

SUCCEEDDING SPORTS THE MIRTHFUL BAND INSPIRED;

THE DANCING PAIR THAT SIMPLY SOUGHT RENOWN

BY HOLDING OUT TO TIRE EACH OTHER DOWN;

THE SWAIN MISTRUSTLESS OF HIS SMUTTED FACE,

WHILE SECRET LAUGHTER TITTERED ROUND THE PLACE;

THE BASHFUL VIRGIN’S SIDE-LONG LOOKS OF LOVE,

THE MATRON’S GLANCE THAT WOULD THOSE LOOKS REPROVE!

THESE WERE THEY CHARMS, SWEET VILLAGE, SPORTS LIKE THESE,

WITH SWEET SUCCESSION,TAUGHT EVEN TOIL TO PLEASE;

THESE ROUND THY BOWERS THEIR CHEERFUL INFLUENCE SHED

THESE WERE THY CHARMS-BUT ALL THESE CHARMS ARE FLED.

Explanation

In the lines given for elucidation, the poet is describing the leisure activities of the simple villagers, which have now come to an end as the village wears a deserted look. The toiling masses worked hard for the whole week and eagerly waited the seventh day when they could enjoy themselves to their heart’s content. On a holiday, the people gathered at different places and took part in various activities. While the young people competed with one another, the old observed them. When the people were tired of one game, they began something else. They divided themselves into couples, each couple trying to dance for the longest time to get renown. They also blackened the face of some innocent rustic and then laughed at him secretly. Young girls tried to look secretly at their lovers but such looks were disapproved of by their matron. Once the laborer rustics were compelled to leave their native land, the village looked barren and deserted. All the charms of the village were gone with the rustics no more being there.

Lines

ILL FARES THE LAND, TO HASTENING ILLS A PREY

WHERE WEALTH ACCUMULATES, AND MEN DECAY;

PRINCESS AND LORDS MAY FLOURISH, OR MAY FADE;

A BREATH CAN MAKE THEM, AS A BREATH HAS MADE;

BUT A BOLD PEASANTRY, THEIR COUNTRY’S PRIDE

WHEN ONCE DESTROYED CAN NEVER BE SUPPLIED.

Explanation

The lines given for explanation present a picture of the village after it was deserted. The simple abode of the innocent rustics had fell a prey to injustice and cruelty. Wealth was accumulating in a few hands while the common man suffered from misery, poverty and deprivation. The bulk of the population consists of hardworking villagers. The rich may grow richer and get all the honour and titles but that does not make much difference. The real asset and wealth of the country are the poor, toiling formers. If they are once destroyed, no one can replace them. The joy and satisfaction life is lost forever.

The Lay of the Last Minstrel

Reference to the Context

Introduction

The given lines are an extract from the poem The Lay of the Last Minstrel written by Sir Walter Scott. The poem deals with the theme of patriotism. The poet believes that love and loyalty towards one’s motherland is a natural feeling, and anyone devoid of it, is nothing but a symbol of greed and selfishness. In the first place, the poet wishes to know whether there are such people in the world who have no sense of attachment and allegiance towards their nation, and never feel proud and honoured to speak of the homeland, where they are born and brought up. Then the poet suggests that we should be vigilant of such elements and always keep an eye on them. They are worthless and deserve to be condemned in spite of all their wealth, high rank and authority. Finally the poet believes that such unpatriotic people face an unceremonious end. They lose, their reputation during their lifetime, and when they die, it means death for them in two ways. Firstly they suffer physical death when their body perishes and then their name is also buried forever. No one shed tears of sorrow at their death, no one pays homage to them and no one sings songs of appreciation for them. In this way, they get a well-deserved death.

Lines

BREATHES THERE THE MAN WITH SOUL SO DEAD,

WHO NEVER TO HIMSELF HATH SAID,

THIS IS MY OWN, MY NATIVE LAND!

WHOSE HEART HATH NE’ER WITHIN HIM BURN’D,

AS HOME HIS FOOTSTEPS HE HATH TURN’D,

FROM WANDERING ON A FOREIGN STRAND!

Explanation

In the lines given for contextual explanation, the poet wants to know whether there are unpatriotic people existing on this earth. He wishes to identify such people who are absolutely devoid of the love of the nation. Such people never take due pride in their motherland. If a person remains away from his country for a long time, it is natural that he should feel delighted and satisfied while re-tracing his steps to his own soil. However if such sentiments are not aroused in him, it indicates that the noble feeling of patriotism is not found in him and he has no affiliation with his own land.

Lines

IF SUCH THERE BREATHE, GO MARK HIM WELL;

FOR HIM NO MINSTREL RAPTURES SWELL;

HIGH THOUGH HIS TITLES, PROUD HIS NAME,

BOUNDLESS HIS WEALTH AS WISH CAN CLAIM;

DESPITE THOSE TITLES, POWER AND PELF,

THE WRETCH, CONCENTRED ALL IN SELF

Explanation

In the lines given for elucidation, the poet is sounding a word of caution against those who have not the slightest trace of patriotism in them. The poet wishes that such selfish and unscrupulous people should be identified. We should always be watchful of such people. It is possible that such elements possess high titles and ranks. They may be exercising great power and authority. They may also be rolling in wealth and having all the luxuries and amenities of life. However, they prove to be the most miserable people since they are too self-centered, and always look to their own gains. They pay no heed to the glory and integrity of the nation but go on filling their own coffers.

Lines

LIVING, SHALL FORFEIT FAIR RENOWN,

AND, DOUBLY DYING, SHALL GO DOWN

TO THE VILE DUST FROM WHENCE HE SPRUNG,

UNWEPT, UNHONOUR’D, AND UNSUNG.

Explanation

In the lines given for explanation, the poet is referring to the fate of such a person who is completely devoid of the spirit of patriotism. People begin recognizing such elements during their lifetime and they begin losing their name and fame. When such unpatriotic people die, it means a “double death” for them. In the first place, their body perishes and they are buried. They go back to the same dust from which they were created. At the same time their name and fame is also lost forever. When such an unpatriotic person departs from this world no eyes are filled with tears and no one mourns over her grief. No homage or tribute is paid to such a person as no one utters a word of praise or appreciation for him. No songs are sung in his memory and no one remembers him after his death. Thus, he suffers a death of disgrace and ignominy.

Sonnet Composed Upon West Minster Bridge

Reference to the Context

Introduction

The given lines are an extract from the poem Sonnet Composed Upon Westminster Bridge written by William Words Worth. The poet describes and appreciates the beauty and tranquil atmosphere of the city of London as he looks at it in the early hours of morning. He considers it to be the most splendid, wonderful and charming sight in the world and believes that every one is bound to be impressed by it.

Lines

EARTH HAS NOT ANY THING TO SHOW MORE FAIR:

DULL WOULD HE BE OF SOUL WHO COULD PASS BY

A SIGHT SO TOUCHING IN ITS MAJESTY:

Explanation

As the poet stands upon the Westminster Bridge at dawn, he admires the beauty of the city of London. According to him, it is the most charming sight in the world. He feels that no onlooker can remain unimpressed by it. However, if one is not affected by the beauty and tranquility of the sight, it implies that he has lost all aesthetic sense and is devoid of all finer emotions.

Lines

THIS CITY NOW DOTH, LIKE A GARMENT WEAR

THE BEAUTY OF THE MORNING; SILENT, BARE,

SHIPS, TOWERS, DOMES, THEATRES AND TEMPLES LIE

OPEN UNTO THE FIELDS, AND TO THE SKY;

ALL BRIGHT AND GLITTERING IN THE SMOKELESS AIR.

Explanation

The poet describes the city as he observes it in the early hours of the day. The city of London seems to be wearing the dress of beauty and serenity. Everything can be seen clearly sparkling in the fog less surrounding. While standing on the bridge, the poet can observe the ships sailing, the towers and domes of buildings, the different places of worship and amusement. Since the atmosphere is free from smoke and pollution, everything seems to be dazzling in the rays of the rising sun.

Lines

NEVER DID SUN MORE BEAUTIFULLY STEEP

IN HIS FIRST SPLENDOUR VALLEY, ROCK OR HILL;

NE’ER SAW I, NEVER FELT, A CALM SO DEEP!

THE RIVER GLIDETH AT HIS OWN SWEET WILL;

DEAR GOD! THE VERY HOUSES SEEM ASLEEP;

AND ALL THAT MIGHTY HEART IS LYING STILL!

Explanation

The city of London appears to be coloured with golden tint of the majestic sun. The rays of the sun cover even the valleys and hills around the cosmopolitan city. The poet points out that he has not experienced such a peaceful atmosphere in his life. Moreover, he has never come across such an appealing and impressive view. He sees the River Thames flowing gently and smoothly under the bridge. He realizes that the entire city seems to be sounding asleep. All the places that are full of hustle and bustle and hectic activity are at this time serene and peaceful. London being the heart of England is bubbling with life and activity but at dawn, it appears to be at rest and presents a wonderful picture of unrivalled charm and tranquility.

Lucy Gray

Reference to the Context

Introduction

William Words Worth is considered to be one of the greatest and the most prominent figures in the realm of English literature. He was an ardent worshipper of the beauty of Nature. For him, Nature is a living entity, throbbing with life and intensity. Word worth believed poetry to be a spontaneous over flow of emotion but while expressing that spontaneity, he always made use of very simple words which touched the hearts of the readers. In this narrative poem, which is one in the series of Lucy poems, Lucy, the innocent child becomes a symbol of charm and naivete. She is full of playfulness and vivacity but she fall a prey to an unfortunate incident and the span of her life is cut short due to it. The poem relates the story of the tragic end and sudden death of the sweet child.

Lines

NO MATE, NO COMRADE LUCY, KNEW;

SHE DWELT ON A WIDE MOOR-

THE SWEETEST THING THAT EVER GREW

BESIDE A HUMAN DOOR!

Explanation

In the lines given for explanation, the poet is referring to the sweet, innocent child, Lucy. She is presented as a simple, Beautiful creation of Nature. She is passing a life of serene solitude on a barren land. She has no friends or companions. The poet compares her to a fragrant flower blossoming in the wildness.

Lines

YOU YET MAY SPY THE FAWN AT PLAY,

THE HARE UPON THE GREEN;

BUT THE SWEET FACE OF LUCY GRAY

WILL NEVER MORE BE SEEN.

Explanation

In these lines, the note of tragedy creeps in. The poet admires all the beautiful creations of Nature. He appreciates the jocundity of the young deer and the frivolity of the loping hare on the green grass but he is overcome with gloom and sadness to realize that he would not be able to see the face of Lucy anymore. Then the poet begins describing the unfortunate incident which results in the death of Lucy.

Lines

NOT BLITHER IS THE MOUNTAIN ROE:

WITH MANY A WANTON STROKE

HE FEET DISPERSE THE POWDERY SNOW

THAT RISES UP LIKE SMOKE.

Explanation

In the lines given for explanation, the poet describes the playfulness and jolly mood of the sweet child, Lucy. As Lucy is proceeding to the town to bring her mother back from there, she seems to be in a very cheerful countenance. She is more active and agile then a deer. She goes on kicking at the snow. The tender flakes of snow rise in the form of smoke. It presents an Beautiful sight as Lucy appears to be enraptured in her world of gaiety and gamboling.

Lines

THE WRETCHED PARENTS ALL THAT NIGHT

WENT SHOUTING FAR AND WIDE;

BUT THERE WAS NEITHER SOUND NOR SIGHT

TO SERVE THEM FOR A GUIDE.

Explanation

In the given lines, the poet points out that after Lucy loses he way in the tempest, she suffers a tragic death. Thereafter, her parents go on looking for her in every nook or corner. They are overcome with misery and depression as they fail to find her whereabouts. They are unable to visualize her charming face, neither is her sweet voice audible to them. They get no trace of her, and in the end, they are compelled to accept the tragic fact that Lucy is no more alive.

Lines

- YET SOME MAINTAIN THAT TO THIS DAY

SHE IS A LIVING CHILD;

THAT YOU MAY SEE SWEET LUCY GRAY

UPON THE LONESOME WILD.

Explanation

In this closing stanza of the poem, the poet refers to the wild imagination of those who are still living in the world of fancy believing Lucy to be a “Living Child.” They have not yet reconciled to the fact that Lucy has suffered physical death. They not only think that she is alive but also imagine that she is running and playing all over the place. They also imagine Lucy singing a sweet song and her voice reverberating all over the natural surrounding. However, it is nothing more than their imagination because Lucy has already fallen a prey to tragic end.

The Toys

Reference to the Context

Introduction

In this narrative poem, the poet points out that God is always kind and merciful to man but man often fails to follow the commands of his Creator. The poem relates the story of father and son. The father treats the son harshly but later realizes his mistake and asks for forgiveness from God for his foolish behaviour. He hopes that as he has forgiven his son, God would pardon him for his childishness.

Lines

MY LITTLE SON, WHO LOOK’D FROM THOUGHTFUL EYES

AND MOVED AND SPOKE IN QUIET GROWN-UP WISE,

HAVING MY LAW THE SEVENTH TIME DISOBEY’D,

I STRUCK HIM, AND DISMISS’D

WITH HARD WORDS AND UNKISS’D,

-HIS MOTHER, WHO WAS PATIENT, BEING DEAD.

Explanation

The poem tells the story of a father and his son. The little boy always appeared to be serious and thoughtful. He behaved like grown-ups but sometime his childish instinct made him commit follies. When he disobeyed his father for the seventh time, he was beaten, scolded and turned out without being kissed. There was no one to defend or console him because his mother was no more in this world.

Lines

THEN FEARING LEST HIS GRIEF SHOULD HINDER SLEEP,

I VISITEDHIS BED,

BUT FOUND HIM SLUMBERING DEEP,

WITH DARKEN’D EYELIDS, AND THEIR LASHES YET

FROM HIS LATE SOBBING WET.

Explanation

The father realized that he had been too harsh with his son. He feared that the child might not be able to sleep due to his grief. He visited his son’s bed and found him sound asleep. The boy had fallen into a slumber while weeping because his eyes appeared swollen and his eyelashes were still wet with tears.

Lines

AND I, WITH MOAM,

KISSING AWAY HIS TEARS, LEFT OTHERS OF MY OWN;

FOR, ON A TABLE DRAWN BESIDE HIS HEAD,

HE HAD PUT, WITHIN HIS REACH,

A BOX OF COUNTERS AND A RED-VEIN’D STONE,

A PIECE OF GLASS ABRADED BY THE BEACH,

AND SIX OR SEVEN SHELLS,

A BOTTLE WITH BLUE BELLS,

AND TWO FRENCH COPPER COINS RANGED THERE WITH CAREFUL ART,

TO COMFORT HIS SAD HEART.

Explanation

The father felt very repentant and aggrieved. He absorbed the tears of his son in his lips but left his own tears on his face. He noticed that the boy had sought consolation in small, ordinary objects. Near his bed, he had pulled a table on which he had arranged very skillfully things like counters, a red stone, a rough piece of glass, some flowers and shells and two coins. All these insignificant things provided ease and comfort to his sad heart.

Lines

SO WHEN THAT NIGHT I PRAY’D

TO GOD, I WEPT AND SAID:

AH! WHEN AT LAST WE LIE WITH TRANCED BREATH,

NOT VEXING THEE IN DEATH,

AND THOU REMEMBEREST OF WHAT TOYS

WE MADE OUR JOYS,

HOW WEAKLY UNDERSTAND,

THY GREAT COMMANDED GOOD,

THEN, FATHERLY NOT LESS

THAN I WHOM THOU HAST MOULDED FROM THE CLAY,

THOU’LT LEAVE THY WRATH, AND SAY,

‘I WILL BE SORRY FOR THEIR CHILDISHNESS.’

Explanation

The father was so overawed with shame and grief that when that night he prayed to God, he could not help shedding tears of sincere regret. He pointed out that man fails to understand the commands of God, and there are some who do not fear God even on their death-bed. However, God is the most Beneficent and the most Merciful. He provides man with all the simple joys of life. The father forgives his son and hopes that God, being like and guardian and benefactor of the entire human race would pardon him for his rash and unreasonable behaviour towards his son.

Incident of the French Camp

Reference to Context

Introduction

These lines have been extracted from the poem Incident of the French Camp written by Robert Browning. The poem describes an act of chivalry, gallantry, patriotism and sacrifice on the part of a young French Soldier. The French Army had attacked the German city of Ratisbon. After they had achieved triumph, the news of the victory was conveyed to the Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte by that young soldier who was brimming with pride and glory although he was on the verge of death. Thereafter, the wounded soldier breathed his last.

Lines

YOU KNOW, WE FRENCH STORMED RATISBON:

A MILE OR SO AWAY,

ON A LITTLE MOUND, NAPOLEON

STOOD ON OUR STORMING DAY;

WITH NECK OUT-THRUST, YOU FANCY HOW,

LEGS WIDE, ARMS LOCKED BEHIND,

AS IF TO BALANCE THE PRONE BROW

OPPRESSIVE WITH ITS MIND.

Explanation

In the lines given for explanation, the poet is describing the scene of the French attack on the German city of Ratisbon. Marshal Lannes led the French aggression in the year 1783. On that occasion, the French emperor Napoleon stood on a hillock just a mile away from the scene of the onslaught. He appeared to be in a pensive mood. He had his neck sticking out and his legs were wide apart. He had his arms joined behind his bark and a cloud on his brow was quite visible. It seemed that something very important was weighing upon his mind and he was perhaps working out his future strategy and line of action.

Lines

JUST AS PERHAPS HE MUSED, MY PLANS

THAT SOAR, TO EARTH MAY FALL,

LET ONCE MY ARMY.LEADER LANNES

WAVER AT YONDER WALL,’-

OUT ’TWIST THE BATTERY SMOKES THERE FLEW

A RIDER, BOUND ON BOUND

FULL-GALLOPING; NOR BRIDLE DREW

UNTIL HE REACHED THE MOUND.

Explanation

These lines bring to light the contemplative nature of Napoleon, and the courage and enthusiasm of the young soldier who was heading towards him to convey the good news of victory. Napoleon was lost in his thoughts pondering over the events of the days to come. All his future planning depended upon his success at Ratisbon. He was eagerly waiting to see the French flag flutter over the German City. As he concentrated upon his future strategy, he observed a young French soldier rushing towards him, riding at top speed. The rider pierced through the blanket of smoke. He came straight to the place where Napoleon was standing and was waiting to receive the good tidings.

Lines

THEN OFF THERE FLUNG IN SMILING JOY,

AND HELD HIMSELF ERECT

BY JUST HIS HORSE’S MANE, A BOY:

YOU HARDLY COULD SUSPECT –

(SO TIGHT HE KEPT HIS LIPS COMPRESSED,

SCARCE ANY BLOOD CAME THROUGH)

YOU LOOKED TWICE ERE YOU SAW HIS BREAST

WAS ALL BUT SHOT IN TWO.

Explanation

In the given lines, the poet appreciated the heroic behaviour of the young soldier. Although he was fatally wounded, he displayed extraordinary courage, confidence and self-control. He jumped off his horse and stood at attention before his chief. His mouth was full of blood but he had his lips so tightly sealed that not a drop of blood oozed out of it. He maintained his cool and composure, and with confidence and chivalry, conveyed the cheerful news of victory. One could never realize that the young soldier’s breast was shot into two unless one has very keen and observant eye on him.

Lines

‘WELL, CRIED HE, ‘EMPEROR, BY GOD’S GRACE

WE’VE GOT YOU RATISBON!

THE MARSHAL’S IN THE MARKET-PLACE,

AND YOU’LL BE THERE ANON

TO SEE YOUR FLAG-BIRD FLAP HIS VANS

WHERE I, TO HEART’S DESIRE,

PERCHED HIM!’ THE CHIEF’S EYE FLASHED; HIS PLANS

SOARED UP AGAIN LIKE FIRE.

Explanation

In the lines given for explanation, the poet is describing the way in which the young soldier informed Napoleon of their success and the reaction of the Emperor to this good news. Although the young man was in intense pain and suffering, he finally opened his lips, and with a great sense of pleasure and personal pride, informed Napoleon of the annexation of the German City. Napoleon was delighted to learn that Marshall Lannes had reached the heart of the city and the emperor was eagerly awaited by the triumphant forces. The soldier felt a special kind of joy and pride in the fact that he, with his own hands, had flown the French flag over Ratisbon. The flag had the figure of a bird on it. Thus when the flag fluttered in the air, it seemed as though the bird on it. Thus when the flag fluttered in the air, it seemed as though the bird was flapping its wings. No sooner did Napoleon get the news of victory, a sparkle of joy and satisfaction came to his eyes. He once again started thinking about his future strategy.

Lines

THE CHIEF’S EYE FLASHED; BUT PRESENTLY

SOFTENED ITSELF, AS SHEATHES

A FILM THE MOTER-EAGLE’S EYE

WHEN HER BRUISED EAGLET BREATHES:

‘YOU’RE WOUNDED!, ‘NAY’, HIS SOLDIER’S PRIDE

TOUCHED TO THE QUICK, HE SAID:

‘I’M KILLED, SIRE!” AND HIS CHIEF BESIDE,

SMILING, THE BOY FELL DEAD.

Explanation

These lines bring to light Napoleon’s loving and affectionate behaviour towards the young soldier who was about to breathe his last. The good news of success had brought to Napoleon’s eyes a special kind of glitter which faded away no sooner had he noticed that the soldier was fatally wounded. The feelings of Napoleon at that moment were just like those of the mother eagle who gets confused when she finds her young ones badly bruised and on the verge of death. She fails to understand how to save their lives. Similarly, that maternal affection surged up in Napoleon’s heart and he inquired whether the boy was wounded. The soldier proudly declared that he felt joy and thrill in giving his life for his country. There was a smile of pride and satisfaction on the young soldier’s lips as he fell dead near his emperor’s feet.