'To Flush, My Dog' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning


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Yet, my pretty sportive friend,
Little is't to such an end
That I praise thy rareness!
Other dogs may be thy peers
Haply in these drooping ears,
And this glossy fairness.

But of thee it shall be said,
This dog watched beside a bed
Day and night unweary—
Watched within a curtained room,
Where no sunbeam brake the gloom
Round the sick and dreary.

Roses, gathered for a vase,
In that chamber died apace,
Beam and breeze resigning.
This dog only, waited on,
Knowing that when light is gone
Love remains for shining.

Other dogs in thymy dew
Tracked the hares, and followed through
Sunny moor or meadow.
This dog only, crept and crept
Next a languid cheek that slept,
Sharing in the shadow.

Other dogs of loyal cheer
Bounded at the whistle clear,
Up the woodside hieing.
This dog only, watched in reach
Of a faintly uttered speech,
Or a louder sighing.

And if one or two quick tears
Dropped upon his glossy ears,
Or a sigh came double—
Up he sprang in eager haste,
Fawning, fondling, breathing fast,
In a tender trouble.

And this dog was satisfied
If a pale thin hand would glide
Down his dewlaps sloping—
Which he pushed his nose within,
After—platforming his chin
On the palm left open.

Editor 1 Interpretation

To Flush, My Dog: A Poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Excited Intro

Oh, dear reader, let me tell you about one of the most heartwarming poems I've ever read - To Flush, My Dog by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. This poem is not just about a dog, it's a tribute to true friendship, loyalty, and love. It's a pure joy to read, and it's impossible not to fall in love with Flush, the adorable little spaniel.

Background

Before we dive into the poem itself, let me give you some context. Elizabeth Barrett Browning was a Victorian poet known for her unconventional views on women's rights and abolition. She's the author of the famous Sonnets from the Portuguese, which she wrote for her husband, the poet Robert Browning. But before she met Robert, Elizabeth had another companion, her beloved dog Flush.

Flush was a stray spaniel that Elizabeth rescued from the streets of Italy. He became her constant companion and was with her through thick and thin. Elizabeth loved Flush so much that she even wrote a biography about him, titled Flush: A Biography, which is considered a classic of canine literature.

Poem Analysis

Now, let's turn our attention to the poem itself. To Flush, My Dog is a tribute to Flush's loyalty and love. It's divided into seven stanzas, each one describing a different aspect of Flush's personality.

In the first stanza, Elizabeth describes Flush's physical appearance. She writes:

"Loving friend, the gift of one, Who, her own true faith, hath run, Through thy lower nature;"

Elizabeth is saying that Flush is a gift from a higher power, and that he embodies her own true faith. She's also acknowledging that Flush is an animal, with a lower nature, but she loves him nonetheless.

In the second stanza, Elizabeth describes Flush's devotion to her. She writes:

"Be my benediction said With my hand upon thy head, Gentle fellow-creature!"

Elizabeth is asking Flush to bless her with his presence, and she puts her hand on his head as a sign of affection. She considers Flush a fellow-creature, not just a pet, which shows how much she values his companionship.

In the third stanza, Elizabeth talks about Flush's intelligence. She writes:

"Like a lady's ringlets brown, Flow thy silken ears adown Either side demurely,"

Elizabeth is comparing Flush's ears to a lady's ringlets, which shows how much she admires his beauty. She also notes that Flush is demure, which means he's modest and well-behaved.

In the fourth stanza, Elizabeth describes Flush's loyalty. She writes:

"Thou most faithful of thy kind, Bear'st thy charge with willing mind, Firm and fearless ever!"

Elizabeth considers Flush the most faithful of his kind, and she describes how he carries out his responsibilities with a willing mind. She also notes that Flush is fearless, which shows how much he trusts and loves her.

In the fifth stanza, Elizabeth talks about Flush's personality. She writes:

"Puppy, that dost follow right In the very footstep's sight Of thy mistress dear,"

Elizabeth is saying that Flush follows her every step, which shows how much he cares for her. She also calls him a puppy, which is a term of endearment.

In the sixth stanza, Elizabeth talks about Flush's bravery. She writes:

"Through the murmur of the trees, Thou dost follow her with ease, And, thy presence lending grace To her peaceful dwelling-place,"

Elizabeth is saying that Flush accompanies her wherever she goes, and his presence adds grace to her life. She also notes that Flush is brave enough to follow her through the murmur of the trees, which shows how much he trusts her.

Finally, in the seventh stanza, Elizabeth talks about Flush's love. She writes:

"Thou dost make the earth thy care, Thou, thy mistress' mate, dost bear Water from the purest spring In thy golden cistern bringing."

Elizabeth is saying that Flush takes care of her and brings her the purest water. She also notes that Flush is her mate, which shows how close they are.

Conclusion

To Flush, My Dog is a beautiful tribute to a dog's loyalty and love. Elizabeth Barrett Browning's love for Flush shines through every line of the poem, and it's impossible not to be moved by it. This poem is a testament to the bond between humans and animals, and it will make you appreciate the pets in your life even more.

So, dear reader, if you haven't read To Flush, My Dog yet, I urge you to do so. It will warm your heart and make you appreciate the simple joys of life. And if you're a dog lover like me, you'll fall in love with Flush and Elizabeth Barrett Browning all over again.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

To Flush, My Dog: A Heartwarming Tribute to a Loyal Companion

Elizabeth Barrett Browning's poem, To Flush, My Dog, is a beautiful tribute to her beloved pet, Flush. Written in 1843, the poem captures the deep bond between a dog and his owner, and the profound impact that a furry friend can have on our lives.

The poem is written in the form of a letter from Elizabeth to her dog, Flush. It begins with a description of Flush's physical appearance, highlighting his silky coat, bright eyes, and wagging tail. But it quickly becomes clear that Flush is much more than just a pretty face. Elizabeth describes him as her "faithful, loving friend," and goes on to detail the many ways in which he has enriched her life.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way in which Elizabeth humanizes Flush. She describes him as having "thoughts and joys and cares," and even suggests that he has a sense of humor. This anthropomorphism is a common theme in literature about dogs, and it speaks to the deep emotional connection that we often feel with our pets.

But To Flush, My Dog is more than just a sentimental ode to a furry friend. It also touches on some deeper themes, such as the nature of love and loyalty. Elizabeth writes that Flush's love is "pure and true," and that he has been a constant source of comfort and support throughout her life. This idea of unconditional love is a central theme in many works of literature, and it is particularly poignant in the context of a pet-owner relationship.

Another interesting aspect of the poem is the way in which Elizabeth uses Flush as a metaphor for her own struggles. She writes that Flush has "known the grief of man," and that he has "borne the burden of his master's pain." This idea of a dog sharing in his owner's emotional turmoil is a powerful one, and it speaks to the way in which pets can provide us with a sense of comfort and understanding that is often hard to find elsewhere.

Overall, To Flush, My Dog is a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to a loyal companion. It captures the essence of the bond between a dog and his owner, and it reminds us of the profound impact that our pets can have on our lives. Whether you are a dog lover or not, this poem is sure to touch your heart and leave you feeling grateful for the furry friends in your life.

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