'The Soldier Of Fortune' by Robert Service
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"Deny your God!" they ringed me with their spears;
Blood-crazed were they, and reeking from the strife;
Hell-hot their hate, and venom-fanged their sneers,
And one man spat on me and nursed a knife.
And there was I, sore wounded and alone,
I, the last living of my slaughtered band.
Oh sinister the sky, and cold as stone!
In one red laugh of horror reeled the land.
And dazed and desperate I faced their spears,
And like a flame out-leaped that naked knife,
And like a serpent stung their bitter jeers:
"Deny your God, and we will give you life."
Deny my God! Oh life was very sweet!
And it is hard in youth and hope to die;
And there my comrades dear lay at my feet,
And in that blear of blood soon must I lie.
And yet . . . I almost laughed -- it seemed so odd,
For long and long had I not vainly tried
To reason out and body forth my God,
And prayed for light, and doubted -- and denied:
Denied the Being I could not conceive,
Denied a life-to-be beyond the grave. . . .
And now they ask me, who do not believe,
Just to deny, to voice my doubt, to save
This life of mine that sings so in the sun,
The bloom of youth yet red upon my cheek,
My only life! -- O fools! 'tis easy done,
I will deny . . . and yet I do not speak.
"Deny your God!" their spears are all agleam,
And I can see their eyes with blood-lust shine;
Their snarling voices shrill into a scream,
And, mad to slay, they quiver for the sign.
Deny my God! yes, I could do it well;
Yet if I did, what of my race, my name?
How they would spit on me, these dogs of hell!
Spurn me, and put on me the brand of shame.
A white man's honour! what of that, I say?
Shall these black curs cry "Coward" in my face?
They who would perish for their gods of clay --
Shall I defile my country and my race?
My country! what's my country to me now?
Soldier of Fortune, free and far I roam;
All men are brothers in my heart, I vow;
The wide and wondrous world is all my home.
My country! reverent of her splendid Dead,
Her heroes proud, her martyrs pierced with pain:
For me her puissant blood was vainly shed;
For me her drums of battle beat in vain,
And free I fare, half-heedless of her fate:
No faith, no flag I owe -- then why not seek
This last loop-hole of life? Why hesitate?
I will deny . . . and yet I do not speak.
"Deny your God!" their spears are poised on high,
And tense and terrible they wait the word;
And dark and darker glooms the dreary sky,
And in that hush of horror no thing stirred.
Then, through the ringing terror and sheer hate
Leaped there a vision to me -- Oh, how far!
A face, Her face . . . through all my stormy fate
A joy, a strength, a glory and a star.
Beneath the pines, where lonely camp-fires gleam,
In seas forlorn, amid the deserts drear,
How I had gladdened to that face of dream!
And never, never had it seemed so dear.
O silken hair that veils the sunny brow!
O eyes of grey, so tender and so true!
O lips of smiling sweetness! must I now
For ever and for ever go from you?
Ah, yes, I must . . . for if I do this thing,
How can I look into your face again?
Knowing you think me more than half a king,
I with my craven heart, my honour slain.
No! no! my mind's made up. I gaze above,
Into that sky insensate as a stone;
Not for my creed, my country, but my Love
Will I stand up and meet my death alone.
Then though it be to utter dark I sink,
The God that dwells in me is not denied;
"Best" triumphs over "Beast", -- and so I think
Humanity itself is glorified. . . .
"And now, my butchers, I embrace my fate.
Come! let my heart's blood slake the thirsty sod.
Curst be the life you offer! Glut your hate!
Strike! Strike, you dogs! I'll not deny my God."
I saw the spears that seemed a-leap to slay,
All quiver earthward at the headman's nod;
And in a daze of dream I heard him say:
"Go, set him free who serves so well his God!"
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Soldier of Fortune: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a soldier of fortune? What drives someone to leave behind their comfortable life and venture into unknown territories to fight for a cause that may not even be their own? Robert Service's poem, "The Soldier of Fortune," is a gripping portrayal of such an individual - a man who is willing to risk it all for the thrill of battle.
The poem starts with a vivid description of the soldier's physical appearance - "his eyes were bright as diamonds," and "his hair was black as night." These descriptions are not just superficial; they give us a glimpse into the soldier's character. His eyes, which are bright and sparkling, signify his unwavering determination and passion for his cause. His hair, which is dark and mysterious, hints at the soldier's complex and enigmatic nature.
The soldier is not just any ordinary soldier - he is a man who has chosen to live a life of danger and adventure. He is a soldier of fortune, a mercenary who fights for whoever pays him the most. He is a man who sees war as a way of life, a means of escape from the mundane and monotonous existence of everyday life.
However, despite his love for adventure, the soldier is not without his flaws. He is a man who is haunted by his past, a past that has left him scarred and broken. The poem tells us that the soldier has "fought in many wars," and that he has "seen his comrades die." These experiences have left him with a deep sense of pain and loss, which he tries to suppress by seeking out new battles.
But what drives the soldier to continue fighting, despite the risks and dangers involved? The poem suggests that it is the thrill of battle that keeps him going. The soldier is described as a man who "laughed at wounds and pain," and who "longed for the smell of powder smoke." He is a man who revels in the chaos and excitement of battle, and who sees death as a mere inconvenience.
Yet, despite his love for adventure, the soldier is not immune to the emotional toll of war. The poem tells us that he is a man who is "cold as steel," but who is also "touched by pity's fire." He is a man who is capable of great cruelty, but who is also capable of great compassion. This complex nature of the soldier adds depth and nuance to his character, making him a well-rounded and fascinating protagonist.
At its core, "The Soldier of Fortune" is a poem about the human desire for adventure and excitement. It is about the allure of danger, and the thrill of living on the edge. But it is also a poem about the cost of such a life - the pain, the loss, and the emotional toll that comes with it.
In conclusion, Robert Service's "The Soldier of Fortune" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the complex nature of a mercenary. Through vivid descriptions and subtle nuances, the poem paints a picture of a man who is driven by his love for adventure, but who is also haunted by his past. It is a poem that speaks to the human desire for excitement and danger, but also to the cost of such a life. If you are a fan of war poetry or are simply looking for a thought-provoking read, then "The Soldier of Fortune" is a poem that you won't want to miss.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Soldier Of Fortune: A Classic Poem by Robert Service
If you are a fan of classic poetry, then you must have come across the name Robert Service. He was a renowned poet and writer who lived from 1874 to 1958. Service was known for his ability to capture the essence of the human spirit in his poems, and one of his most famous works is The Soldier Of Fortune.
The Soldier Of Fortune is a poem that tells the story of a man who has lived a life of adventure and danger. He has traveled the world, fought in wars, and experienced all the highs and lows that come with a life of adventure. The poem is written in a simple yet powerful style that captures the essence of the soldier's life.
The poem begins with the soldier reflecting on his life and the experiences that have shaped him. He talks about the battles he has fought and the places he has been. He speaks of the thrill of battle and the rush of adrenaline that comes with it. He also talks about the loneliness and isolation that comes with a life of adventure.
As the poem progresses, the soldier begins to reflect on his mortality. He knows that he is getting older and that his time on this earth is limited. He talks about the inevitability of death and the fact that he will one day have to face his maker. He speaks of the regrets he has and the things he wishes he had done differently.
Despite his regrets, the soldier remains proud of the life he has lived. He knows that he has lived a life that few others have had the courage to live. He speaks of the honor and respect that comes with being a soldier of fortune. He knows that he has made a difference in the world and that his legacy will live on long after he is gone.
The Soldier Of Fortune is a poem that speaks to the human spirit. It is a reminder that life is short and that we should make the most of the time we have. It is a call to live a life of adventure and to embrace the challenges that come with it. It is a tribute to the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving their country and making the world a better place.
The poem is also a reflection on the nature of war and the toll it takes on those who fight it. The soldier speaks of the horrors of war and the pain and suffering it causes. He knows that war is a necessary evil, but he also knows that it comes at a great cost.
The Soldier Of Fortune is a poem that has stood the test of time. It is a classic work of literature that continues to inspire and move readers today. It is a reminder that the human spirit is capable of great things and that we should never give up on our dreams.
In conclusion, The Soldier Of Fortune is a poem that captures the essence of the human spirit. It is a tribute to the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving their country and making the world a better place. It is a call to live a life of adventure and to embrace the challenges that come with it. It is a reminder that life is short and that we should make the most of the time we have. Robert Service was a master of his craft, and The Soldier Of Fortune is a testament to his talent and skill as a poet.
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