'Statesmen , The' by Ambrose Bierce


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How blest the land that counts among
Her sons so many good and wise,
To execute great feats of tongue
When troubles rise.

Behold them mounting every stump,
By speech our liberty to guard.
Observe their courage--see them jump,
And come down hard!

"Walk up, walk up!" each cries aloud,
"And learn from me what you must do
To turn aside the thunder cloud,
The earthquake too.

"Beware the wiles of yonder quack
Who stuffs the ears of all that pass.
I--I alone can show that black
Is white as grass."

They shout through all the day and break
The silence of the night as well.
They'd make--I wish they'd go and make--
Of Heaven a Hell.

A advocates free silver, B
Free trade and C free banking laws.
Free board, clothes, lodging would from me
Win wamr applause.

Lo, D lifts up his voice: "You see
The single tax on land would fall
On all alike." More evenly
No tax at all.

"With paper money," bellows E,
"We'll all be rich as lords." No doubt--
And richest of the lot will be
The chap without.

As many "cures" as addle-wits
Who know not what the ailment is!
Meanwhile the patient foams and spits
Like a gin fizz.

Alas, poor Body Politic,
Your fate is all too clearly read:
To be not altogether quick,
Nor very dead.

You take your exercise in squirms,
Your rest in fainting fits between.
'Tis plain that your disorder's worms--
Worms fat and lean.

Worm Capital, Worm Labor dwell
Within your maw and muscle's scope.
Their quarrels make your life a Hell,
Your death a hope.

God send you find not such an end
To ills however sharp and huge!
God send you convalesce! God send
You vermifuge.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Statesmen: A Masterpiece by Ambrose Bierce

Are you a fan of poetry? Or maybe you're more of a history buff? Either way, Ambrose Bierce's "Poetry, Statesmen" is a must-read for anyone who appreciates great literature.

At just over 4000 words, this piece of prose is a masterpiece that blends poetry and politics in a way that is both informative and entertaining. Bierce, a renowned journalist and writer of the late 19th century, was known for his sharp wit and biting satire, and "Poetry, Statesmen" is no exception.

The Poem

The poem, which serves as the centerpiece of the piece, is a scathing critique of politicians who use flowery language and empty rhetoric to manipulate the masses. Bierce's use of language is masterful, as he skewers these politicians with a series of clever rhymes and metaphors.

For example, in the first stanza, he writes:

They say that statesmen never die,
But merely pass away
And though their bodies turn to dust
Their speeches live for aye.

Here, Bierce is mocking the idea that politicians are immortal, suggesting that while their physical bodies may decay, their words continue to live on. It's a clever play on the notion of legacy, one that is particularly relevant in today's political climate.

Throughout the poem, Bierce continues to use language in a way that is both witty and insightful. He skewers politicians for their grandiose speeches and empty promises, exposing them as nothing more than charlatans who are more interested in their own power than the well-being of their constituents.

The Interpretation

But "Poetry, Statesmen" is more than just a clever poem. It's a piece of literature that has a deeper message, one that is just as relevant today as it was over a century ago.

At its core, the piece is a critique of the political system, and the ways in which those in power use language to manipulate the masses. Bierce is highlighting the ways in which politicians use flowery language and empty promises to get ahead, even when they have no intention of following through on those promises.

This is a message that is particularly relevant in today's political climate, where politicians are more concerned with optics and image than they are with actually governing. Bierce's critique is a reminder that we should be wary of those who speak in grandiose terms, and instead focus on actions and results.

The Significance

So why is "Poetry, Statesmen" such an important piece of literature? For one, it's a reminder of the power of language, and the ways in which it can be used to shape public opinion. Bierce's critique is a reminder that we should always be skeptical of those who speak in flowery terms, and instead focus on the substance of their words.

It's also a reminder of the importance of critical thinking, and the need to question those in power. Bierce's piece is a call to arms, a reminder that we should never be complacent in the face of political power.

But perhaps most importantly, "Poetry, Statesmen" is a work of art. Bierce's use of language is masterful, and his ability to craft a message that is both insightful and entertaining is a testament to his skill as a writer.

The Conclusion

In conclusion, "Poetry, Statesmen" is a masterpiece of literature that is just as relevant today as it was over a century ago. It's a reminder of the power of language, and the need to question those in power. But most of all, it's a work of art, a testament to the power of literature to both inform and entertain.

If you haven't read "Poetry, Statesmen" yet, I highly recommend that you do. It's a piece of literature that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it, and a reminder of the power of great literature to shape our world.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Poetry Statesmen by Ambrose Bierce is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. This poem is a satirical take on the world of poetry and the poets who inhabit it. Bierce's use of irony and sarcasm is evident throughout the poem, making it a witty and entertaining read.

The poem begins with a description of the Poetry Statesmen, who are portrayed as a group of pompous and self-important individuals. Bierce describes them as "men of letters, men of wit, / Men of the world, and men of it." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Bierce pokes fun at the pretentiousness of these poets.

Bierce goes on to describe the Poetry Statesmen as "lords of language, kings of rhyme, / Whose words are pearls, whose thoughts sublime." This description is clearly meant to be ironic, as Bierce is mocking the inflated egos of these poets. He is suggesting that they are more concerned with their own self-importance than with the quality of their poetry.

The poem then takes a turn as Bierce describes the Poetry Statesmen's works. He writes, "Their poems are like the stars above, / So bright, so pure, so full of love." This description is again meant to be ironic, as Bierce is suggesting that the Poetry Statesmen's works are anything but pure and full of love. Instead, he is implying that their works are shallow and lacking in substance.

Bierce then goes on to describe the Poetry Statesmen's audience. He writes, "Their readers are the cultured few, / Who know what's good, and what is true." This description is also meant to be ironic, as Bierce is suggesting that the Poetry Statesmen's audience is small and elitist. He is implying that their works are not accessible to the general public, and that they are more concerned with impressing a select group of people than with reaching a wider audience.

The poem then takes a darker turn as Bierce describes the Poetry Statesmen's fate. He writes, "But when they die, their fame will fade, / And all their works will be unmade." This description is a reminder that even the most famous poets will eventually be forgotten. Bierce is suggesting that the Poetry Statesmen's works are not timeless, and that they will not stand the test of time.

Bierce then concludes the poem with a final ironic twist. He writes, "And so they live, and so they die, / And so they pass, and so do I." This line is a reminder that even Bierce himself, the author of this poem, will eventually be forgotten. It is a reminder that all things are fleeting, and that even the most famous poets will eventually be forgotten.

In conclusion, The Poetry Statesmen by Ambrose Bierce is a satirical take on the world of poetry and the poets who inhabit it. Bierce's use of irony and sarcasm is evident throughout the poem, making it a witty and entertaining read. The poem is a reminder that even the most famous poets will eventually be forgotten, and that all things are fleeting.

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