'Laus Mariae' by Sidney Lanier
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Across the brook of Time man leaping goes
On stepping-stones of epochs, that uprise
Fixed, memorable, midst broad shallow flows
Of neutrals, kill-times, sleeps, indifferencies.
So twixt each morn and night rise salient heaps:
Some cross with but a zigzag, jaded pace
From meal to meal:some with convulsive leaps
Shake the green tussocks of malign disgrace:
And some advance by system and deep art
O'er vantages of wealth, place, learning, tact.
But thou within thyself, dear manifold heart,
Dost bind all epochs in one dainty Fact.
Oh, sweet, my pretty sum of history,
I leapt the breadth of Time in loving thee!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Laus Mariae: An Ode to the Mother of God
Sidney Lanier’s Laus Mariae, an ode to the Mother of God, stands out as a remarkable piece of literature in the realm of religious poetry. The poem, published in 1879, is a tribute to the Virgin Mary, a celebration of her virtues, and a call to her intercession. Lanier’s use of language, his poetic style, and his profound understanding of the Virgin Mary, make Laus Mariae a masterpiece of religious poetry, one that continues to inspire and move readers to this day.
Background and Context of the Poem
To understand the beauty and significance of Laus Mariae, it is important to consider the context in which it was written. Sidney Lanier was an American poet and musician, born in 1842, who lived through one of the most tumultuous periods in American history. The Civil War and its aftermath had a deep impact on Lanier, and he turned to poetry as a means of expressing his emotions and beliefs. Lanier was also deeply religious, and his faith played a significant role in his life and work.
Laus Mariae was written towards the end of Lanier’s life, at a time when he was suffering from tuberculosis, a disease that would eventually claim his life. Lanier’s illness, combined with his deep faith, led him to contemplate the mysteries of life and death, and to seek comfort in the intercession of the Virgin Mary. Laus Mariae is, therefore, a deeply personal poem, reflecting Lanier’s own struggles and beliefs.
Structure and Style of the Poem
Laus Mariae is a long poem, consisting of 104 stanzas, each with six lines. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCC. The use of rhymed couplets in the final two lines of each stanza gives the poem a sense of closure and completeness.
The structure of the poem reflects Lanier’s admiration for the Virgin Mary, with each stanza dedicated to one of her virtues. The virtues are arranged in a particular order, beginning with the Virgin’s purity, followed by her humility, her obedience, her love, and her sorrow. The final stanzas of the poem are a call to the Virgin to intercede on behalf of the poet and all who seek her aid.
Lanier’s use of language and imagery in Laus Mariae is particularly noteworthy. The poem is filled with vivid descriptions of the Virgin Mary, her virtues, and her actions. For example, Lanier describes the Virgin as “the pearl of purity,” “the lily of virgin grace,” and “the star of mystic beauty.” These descriptions convey both the beauty and the purity of the Virgin, and the reverence in which she is held by the faithful.
The poem is also filled with biblical references and allusions, indicating Lanier’s deep knowledge of scripture. For example, the poem begins with a reference to the angel’s greeting to Mary, “Hail Mary, full of grace,” and continues with allusions to the Magnificat, the Visitation, and the Crucifixion. These references serve to reinforce the central role of the Virgin Mary in the Christian faith, and to connect her to the larger narrative of salvation history.
Themes and Interpretation
At its core, Laus Mariae is a tribute to the Virgin Mary, a celebration of her virtues, and a call to her intercession. The poem reflects Lanier’s deep devotion to the Virgin, and his belief in her power to comfort and aid the faithful.
One of the central themes of the poem is the Virgin’s purity. Lanier describes the Virgin as “the pearl of purity,” emphasizing her spotlessness and immaculate nature. This purity is seen as a source of comfort and inspiration for the faithful, and an example to be emulated. At the same time, Lanier acknowledges the difficulty of achieving such purity, describing it as a “rare and lonely height.” The Virgin’s purity is therefore both a goal to be striven for, and a source of hope and comfort for those who fall short.
Another important theme in the poem is the Virgin’s humility. Lanier emphasizes the Virgin’s willingness to submit to God’s will, even in the face of great difficulty. He describes her as “the lowliest of the lowly,” and emphasizes her humility in accepting the role of the Mother of God. This humility is seen as a model for all Christians, who are called to submit to God’s will and serve others.
The theme of obedience is also central to the poem. Lanier emphasizes the Virgin’s obedience to God’s will, even in the face of great difficulty. He describes her as “the obedient handmaid,” and emphasizes her willingness to accept the call to be the Mother of God. This obedience is seen as a model for all Christians, who are called to obey God’s will even when it is difficult or painful.
The theme of love is also present in the poem. Lanier describes the Virgin as “the mother-love incarnate,” emphasizing her love for her son and for all humanity. This love is seen as a source of comfort and inspiration for the faithful, and an example to be emulated.
Finally, the theme of sorrow is also present in the poem. Lanier describes the Virgin’s sorrow at the Crucifixion, emphasizing her empathy with the suffering of her son and of all humanity. This sorrow is seen as a source of comfort and inspiration for the faithful, who can turn to the Virgin for comfort in times of sorrow and pain.
Conclusion
Laus Mariae is a remarkable piece of religious poetry, reflecting Sidney Lanier’s deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, his understanding of her virtues, and his belief in her power to aid the faithful. The poem’s use of language, imagery, and biblical allusion is masterful, conveying both the beauty and the significance of the Virgin Mary in the Christian faith. The poem’s themes of purity, humility, obedience, love, and sorrow are timeless, speaking to the deepest needs and desires of the human heart. Laus Mariae is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire, comfort, and move the soul, and to the enduring significance of the Virgin Mary in the life of the faithful.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Laus Mariae: A Masterpiece of Devotion and Artistry
Sidney Lanier's Poetry Laus Mariae is a stunning work of art that combines the beauty of language with the depth of religious devotion. This poem is a hymn of praise to the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, and it captures the essence of her grace and compassion in a way that is both inspiring and moving.
At its core, Poetry Laus Mariae is a celebration of the divine feminine. It is a tribute to the power and beauty of the feminine spirit, which is embodied in the figure of Mary. Lanier's poem is a testament to the fact that the feminine is not only a force of nurturing and compassion, but also a source of strength and resilience.
The poem begins with a description of Mary as a "lily of the vale," a symbol of purity and innocence. Lanier then goes on to describe her as a "rose of Sharon," a symbol of beauty and grace. These images are powerful and evocative, and they set the tone for the rest of the poem.
As the poem progresses, Lanier explores the many facets of Mary's character. He describes her as a "queen of heaven," a "mother of mercy," and a "star of the sea." These images are all deeply symbolic, and they help to convey the depth and complexity of Mary's personality.
One of the most striking aspects of Poetry Laus Mariae is the way in which Lanier uses language to create a sense of awe and wonder. His words are carefully chosen and arranged, and they flow together in a way that is both musical and poetic. The result is a work of art that is both beautiful and profound.
Another notable feature of the poem is its use of repetition. Lanier repeats certain phrases and images throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and continuity. This repetition also serves to reinforce the central themes of the poem, such as Mary's beauty, grace, and compassion.
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of Poetry Laus Mariae is its ability to inspire and uplift. This poem is a hymn of praise to the divine feminine, and it celebrates the power and beauty of women everywhere. It is a reminder that women are not only capable of nurturing and caring for others, but also of achieving great things and making a difference in the world.
In conclusion, Sidney Lanier's Poetry Laus Mariae is a masterpiece of devotion and artistry. It is a hymn of praise to the divine feminine, and it celebrates the power and beauty of women everywhere. This poem is a testament to the fact that the feminine is not only a force of nurturing and compassion, but also a source of strength and resilience. It is a work of art that is both beautiful and profound, and it has the power to inspire and uplift all who read it.
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