'Italian In England, The' by Robert Browning


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That second time they hunted me
From hill to plain, from shore to sea,
And Austria, hounding far and wide
Her blood-hounds thro' the country-side,
Breathed hot and instant on my trace,---
I made six days a hiding-place
Of that dry green old aqueduct
Where I and Charles, when boys, have plucked
The fire-flies from the roof above,
Bright creeping thro' the moss they love:
---How long it seems since Charles was lost!
Six days the soldiers crossed and crossed
The country in my very sight;
And when that peril ceased at night,
The sky broke out in red dismay
With signal fires; well, there I lay
Close covered o'er in my recess,
Up to the neck in ferns and cress,
Thinking on Metternich our friend,
And Charles's miserable end,
And much beside, two days; the third,
Hunger o'ercame me when I heard
The peasants from the village go
To work among the maize; you know,
With us in Lombardy, they bring
Provisions packed on mules, a string
With little bells that cheer their task,
And casks, and boughs on every cask
To keep the sun's heat from the wine;
These I let pass in jingling line,
And, close on them, dear noisy crew,
The peasants from the village, too;
For at the very rear would troop
Their wives and sisters in a group
To help, I knew. When these had passed,
I threw my glove to strike the last,
Taking the chance: she did not start,
Much less cry out, but stooped apart,
One instant rapidly glanced round,
And saw me beckon from the ground.
A wild bush grows and hides my crypt;
She picked my glove up while she stripped
A branch off, then rejoined the rest
With that; my glove lay in her breast.
Then I drew breath; they disappeared:
It was for Italy I feared.

An hour, and she returned alone
Exactly where my glove was thrown.
Meanwhile came many thoughts: on me
Rested the hopes of Italy.
I had devised a certain tale
Which, when 'twas told her, could not fail
Persuade a peasant of its truth;
I meant to call a freak of youth
This hiding, and give hopes of pay,
And no temptation to betray.
But when I saw that woman's face,
Its calm simplicity of grace,
Our Italy's own attitude
In which she walked thus far, and stood,
Planting each naked foot so firm,
To crush the snake and spare the worm---
At first sight of her eyes, I said,
``I am that man upon whose head
``They fix the price, because I hate
``The Austrians over us: the State
``Will give you gold---oh, gold so much!---
``If you betray me to their clutch,
``And be your death, for aught I know,
``If once they find you saved their foe.
``Now, you must bring me food and drink,
``And also paper, pen and ink,
``And carry safe what I shall write
``To Padua, which you'll reach at night
``Before the duomo shuts; go in,
``And wait till Tenebr begin;
``Walk to the third confessional,
``Between the pillar and the wall,
``And kneeling whisper, _Whence comes peace?_
``Say it a second time, then cease;
``And if the voice inside returns,
``_From Christ and Freedom; what concerns
``The cause of Peace?_---for answer, slip
``My letter where you placed your lip;
``Then come back happy we have done
``Our mother service---I, the son,
``As you the daughter of our land!''

Three mornings more, she took her stand
In the same place, with the same eyes:
I was no surer of sun-rise
That of her coming. We conferred
Of her own prospects, and I heard
She had a lover---stout and tall,
She said---then let her eyelids fall,
``He could do much''---as if some doubt
Entered her heart,---then, passing out,
``She could not speak for others, who
``Had other thoughts; herself she knew:''
And so she brought me drink and food.
After four days, the scouts pursued
Another path; at last arrived
The help my Paduan friends contrived
To furnish me: she brought the news.
For the first time I could not choose
But kiss her hand, and lay my own
Upon her head---``This faith was shown
``To Italy, our mother; she
``Uses my hand and blesses thee.''
She followed down to the sea-shore;
I left and never saw her more.

How very long since I have thought
Concerning---much less wished for---aught
Beside the good of Italy,
For which I live and mean to die!
I never was in love; and since
Charles proved false, what shall now convince.
My inmost heart I have a friend?
However, if I pleased to spend
Real wishes on myself---say, three---
I know at least what one should be.
I would grasp Metternich until
I felt his red wet throat distil
In blood thro' these two hands. And next,
---Nor much for that am I perplexed---
Charles, perjured traitor, for his part,
Should die slow of a broken heart
Under his new employer. Last
---Ah, there, what should I wish? For fast
Do I grow old and out of strength.
If I resolved to seek at length
My father's house again, how scared
They all would look, and unprepared!
My brothers live in Austria's pay
---Disowned me long ago, men say;
And all my early mates who used
To praise me so---perhaps induced
More than one early step of mine---
Are turning wise: while some opine
``Freedom grows license,'' some suspect
``Haste breeds delay,'' and recollect
They always said, such premature
Beginnings never could endure!
So, with a sullen ``All's for best,''
The land seems settling to its rest.
I think then, I should wish to stand
This evening in that dear, lost land,
Over the sea the thousand miles,
And know if yet that woman smiles
With the calm smile; some little farm
She lives in there, no doubt: what harm
If I sat on the door-side bench,
And, while her spindle made a trench
Fantastically in the dust,
Inquired of all her fortunes---just
Her children's ages and their names,
And what may be the husband's aims
For each of them. I'd talk this out,
And sit there, for an hour about,
Then kiss her hand once more, and lay
Mine on her head, and go my way.

So much for idle wishing---how
It steals the time! To business now.


Editor 1 Interpretation

Italian In England by Robert Browning

Are you a poetry lover who seeks to explore the intricacies of the written word? Look no further than Robert Browning's "Italian In England." This classic poem is a fascinating study of the differences between two cultures and how they can clash and coexist in a single person.

Background

Robert Browning was a prolific poet of the Victorian Era. He was born in 1812 in London and spent much of his life writing and publishing works of poetry. "Italian In England" was first published in 1855 as part of a collection of poems called "Men and Women." The poem is written in the form of a dramatic monologue, a style that Browning was known for.

Summary

The poem is spoken by an Italian man who has come to England. He is struggling to adapt to the new culture and way of life. The speaker's Italian identity is an important aspect of the poem, and he contrasts it with the English culture he is encountering. He speaks of how the English are cold and reserved, which is the opposite of the warmth and passion he is used to in Italy.

The speaker is also struggling with issues of identity and belonging. He feels like an outsider in this new country and longs for the familiarity of his home. He misses his friends and family and the way of life he left behind. However, he also acknowledges that he cannot go back to his old life and must find a way to blend the two cultures.

Literary Devices

Browning uses a variety of literary devices in "Italian In England." One of the most prominent is the use of imagery. The speaker describes the landscape of England in contrast to Italy. He speaks of the "soft blue sky of home," which is replaced by the "grey sky" of England. He also describes the "green fields" of England, which are not as vibrant as the fields he is used to in Italy.

Another important literary device in the poem is the use of figurative language. The speaker uses metaphors and similes to convey his feelings about the two cultures. He describes the English as "dumb as a nail" and "slow as a snail." These images emphasize the difference between the two cultures and the frustration the speaker feels.

Themes

One of the overarching themes of the poem is cultural identity. The speaker is struggling to reconcile his Italian identity with the new culture he is encountering in England. He feels like an outsider and is grappling with issues of belonging and acceptance. This theme is still relevant today, as many people struggle with issues of identity and belonging when they move to a new country.

Another theme in the poem is the clash of cultures. The speaker is constantly comparing the Italian and English cultures and finding them to be very different. He is frustrated by the reserved nature of the English and longs for the passion and warmth of his home. This theme is also relevant today, as cultures continue to collide and interact in an increasingly globalized world.

Interpretation

"Italian In England" is a complex poem that invites multiple interpretations. One possible interpretation is that the speaker represents the conflict between tradition and modernity. The Italian culture he represents is rooted in tradition and history, while the English culture he encounters is more modern and industrialized. The speaker's struggle to reconcile the two cultures represents the struggle between tradition and modernity that was happening in Victorian England.

Another possible interpretation is that the poem is a critique of British imperialism. The speaker's frustration with the English culture could be seen as a criticism of the way the British imposed their culture on other countries during the colonial era. The speaker's longing for his home and his struggle to adapt to the new culture could be seen as a metaphor for the way colonized peoples were forced to abandon their own cultures and adopt the culture of their colonizers.

Conclusion

"Italian In England" is a timeless poem that explores themes of cultural identity, conflict, and adaptation. Browning's use of imagery and figurative language creates a vivid picture of the speaker's struggle to reconcile his Italian identity with the new culture he is encountering in England. The poem is relevant today as cultures continue to interact and collide in an increasingly globalized world. If you are a poetry lover looking for a thoughtful and thought-provoking read, "Italian In England" is definitely worth your time.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Italian In England: A Masterpiece by Robert Browning

Robert Browning, one of the most celebrated poets of the Victorian era, was known for his unique style of writing that blended classical and modern elements. His works were characterized by their complexity, depth, and intellectualism, which made them challenging yet rewarding to read. Among his many masterpieces, Poetry Italian In England stands out as a remarkable piece of poetry that captures the essence of Italian culture and its influence on English literature.

The poem, which was published in 1855, is a tribute to the Italian poets who had a profound impact on English literature during the Renaissance period. Browning was fascinated by the works of Dante, Petrarch, and Tasso, and he sought to pay homage to them through his poetry. In this article, we will analyze and explain the various themes and literary devices used in Poetry Italian In England.

The poem begins with a description of the Italian landscape, which Browning portrays as a place of beauty and inspiration. He describes the hills, valleys, and rivers of Italy, and how they have inspired generations of poets to create works of art. The opening lines of the poem set the tone for what is to come, as Browning establishes the connection between Italy and poetry.

"Wherefore, Bards of passion and of mirth, Ye have not seen your fair suns shine on earth! Ye were not born, ye die not, in these isles, But sigh for bright Italia's sunny smiles."

Browning then goes on to describe the various Italian poets who have left their mark on English literature. He mentions Dante, Petrarch, and Tasso, and how their works have influenced the likes of Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Milton. He describes how these poets have brought the beauty and passion of Italy to England, and how they have enriched the English language with their words.

"Yet, though their hearts were all on fire, They could not touch a jarring lyre, With that sweet music in their souls, Since their own Italy's serene And bounteous earth could bear no weeds, But laurelled brows and myrtle seeds."

Browning then shifts his focus to the present, and how Italy continues to inspire poets in England. He describes how the Italian language and culture have become a part of English literature, and how they have enriched the language with their beauty and passion. He also mentions the various English poets who have been influenced by Italy, such as Shelley, Keats, and Byron.

"Still, Italy! Through the long ages, Art thou not glorious, as in youth? Still doth thy beauty, as a star, Shine on the world, and light the way Of poets to the realms of day."

The poem ends with a call to all poets to continue to draw inspiration from Italy, and to keep the flame of Italian poetry burning in England. Browning urges poets to embrace the beauty and passion of Italy, and to use it to create works of art that will stand the test of time.

"Then, Bards of passion and of mirth, Ye who have seen your fair suns shine on earth! Ye who were born, ye who shall die, In lands where bright Italia's sunny smiles, And vineyards, and the golden times of old, Still linger in the heart and on the tongue, Wake, and call up the spirit of your song, And let its music, like a river, roll, Bearing the beauty and the power of Italy, To every land, and every heart, and every soul."

The themes of Poetry Italian In England are numerous and varied. The poem celebrates the beauty and passion of Italy, and how it has influenced English literature. It also pays tribute to the Italian poets who have left their mark on English literature, and how they have enriched the language with their words. Browning also emphasizes the importance of drawing inspiration from Italy, and how it can be used to create works of art that will stand the test of time.

The poem is also notable for its use of literary devices. Browning employs a variety of techniques to create a rich and complex work of art. He uses imagery to paint a vivid picture of Italy, and how it has inspired poets throughout the ages. He also uses alliteration and rhyme to create a musical quality to the poem, which adds to its beauty and power.

In conclusion, Poetry Italian In England is a masterpiece of poetry that celebrates the beauty and passion of Italy, and how it has influenced English literature. Browning's use of literary devices and his mastery of language make this poem a joy to read and a testament to the power of poetry. It is a work of art that will continue to inspire poets for generations to come, and a reminder of the enduring influence of Italian culture on English literature.

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