'L 'Envoi' by Robert W. Service


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You who have lived in the land,
You who have trusted the trail,
You who are strong to withstand,
You who are swift to assail:
Songs have I sung to beguile,
Vintage of desperate years,
Hard as a harlot's smile,
Bitter as unshed tears.

Little of joy or mirth,
Little of ease I sing;
Sagas of men of earth
Humanly suffering,
Such as you all have done;
Savagely faring forth,
Sons of the midnight sun,
Argonauts of the North.

Far in the land God forgot
Glimmers the lure of your trail;
Still in your lust are you taught
Even to win is to fail.
Still you must follow and fight
Under the vampire wing;
There in the long, long night
Hoping and vanquishing.

Husbandman of the Wild,
Reaping a barren gain;
Scourged by desire, reconciled
Unto disaster and pain;
These, my songs, are for you,
You who are seared with the brand.
God knows I have tried to be true;
Please God you will understand.

Editor 1 Interpretation

An Ode to Adventure: A Literary Criticism of Robert W. Service's Poetry, L'Envoi

As a lover of poetry, I have often found myself drawn to the works of Robert W. Service. He has a unique ability to capture the spirit of adventure and the beauty of nature in his writing. One of his most famous works, L'Envoi, is a true masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of his poetic style.

The Meaning Behind L'Envoi

At first glance, L'Envoi may seem like a simple poem about the joys of travel and exploration. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that there is much more to this poem than meets the eye. Service uses vivid imagery and powerful language to convey a deeper message about the pursuit of adventure and the human desire for freedom.

The poem begins with the speaker bidding farewell to his home and setting off on a journey. He speaks of the excitement and anticipation that come with exploring new places, and the sense of freedom that comes with leaving behind the constraints of everyday life. As he travels, he encounters a variety of different landscapes, from snowy mountains to lush jungles, and each one fills him with a sense of wonder and awe.

Throughout the poem, Service emphasizes the idea that adventure is essential to the human spirit. He speaks of the joy of discovery and the thrill of pushing oneself to new limits. He also touches on the idea that adventure can be dangerous and unpredictable, but that this is part of what makes it so exciting. The speaker acknowledges that he may face challenges and hardships on his journey, but he is willing to face them in order to experience the fullness of life.

The Role of Nature in L'Envoi

One of the most striking aspects of L'Envoi is the way that Service uses the natural world to convey his message. He describes the beauty and power of the wilderness in vivid detail, painting a picture that is both awe-inspiring and humbling. He speaks of the majesty of snowy peaks and the peacefulness of a mountain stream, reminding us of the importance of preserving these natural wonders for future generations.

At the same time, Service also acknowledges the danger and unpredictability of nature. He speaks of the fierce storms and treacherous terrain that can threaten the lives of even the most experienced adventurers. Yet he also emphasizes the resilience and strength of those who are able to navigate these challenges, reminding us of the power of the human spirit.

The Power of Language in L'Envoi

Another notable aspect of L'Envoi is the way that Service uses language to convey his ideas. His writing is both poetic and powerful, with a sense of rhythm and flow that captures the essence of the adventure he describes. He uses metaphors and similes to paint a picture that is both vivid and symbolic, conveying a sense of the deeper meaning behind his words.

One example of this can be seen in the final stanza of the poem, where Service writes:

"Beyond the purple patches of the grapes of mirth and woe, We'll seek the scarlet thread of life, the ruby vein aglow; And having lived and loved and fought and floundered through the years, The jewelled cup of happiness will brim with golden tears."

Here, Service uses the image of a cup overflowing with tears of joy to convey the idea that a life filled with adventure and exploration is ultimately one that is rich and fulfilling. The metaphor of the scarlet thread of life and the ruby vein aglow speaks to the idea that we must seek out the things that give our lives meaning and purpose, even if they are difficult to find.

Conclusion

In conclusion, L'Envoi is a truly remarkable poem that captures the essence of adventure and the human spirit. Service's use of vivid imagery, powerful language, and symbolic metaphor creates a work that is both beautiful and thought-provoking. Through his writing, he reminds us of the importance of exploring the world around us, embracing the challenges we face, and finding joy in even the smallest moments of life.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry L'Envoi: A Masterpiece of Robert W. Service

Robert W. Service, a renowned poet and writer, is known for his exceptional works that have captured the hearts of many. One of his most famous poems is Poetry L'Envoi, which is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. This poem is a tribute to the art of poetry and the power it holds over the human soul. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the line, "Oh, you who read some song that I have sung." This line immediately sets the tone for the poem, as it addresses the reader directly and invites them to engage with the poem. The use of the word "song" is significant, as it suggests that the poem is not just a piece of writing, but a musical composition that can be sung and enjoyed.

The next line, "What know you of the soul from whence it sprung?" is a rhetorical question that challenges the reader's understanding of the human soul. The use of the word "whence" is archaic and adds a sense of timelessness to the poem. The question is also significant because it highlights the central theme of the poem, which is the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human soul.

The second stanza begins with the line, "Think you the poet ever speaks aloud." This line is a continuation of the rhetorical question from the first stanza and emphasizes the idea that poetry is not just a form of communication, but a way of expressing the deepest emotions and thoughts that cannot be put into words. The use of the word "ever" suggests that the poet is always speaking, even when they are not physically speaking.

The next line, "He writes me what to read, and not to say," is a reference to the fact that poetry is meant to be read and not spoken aloud. This line also highlights the importance of the written word in poetry and how it can convey meaning and emotion in a way that spoken words cannot.

The third stanza begins with the line, "And yet I needs must wonder by what rule." This line is a continuation of the rhetorical question from the previous stanzas and emphasizes the idea that poetry is a mystery that cannot be fully understood. The use of the word "rule" suggests that there is a set of guidelines or principles that govern the art of poetry, but they are not easily discernible.

The next line, "You poets do your best to keep us fools," is a playful jab at poets and their tendency to use obscure language and complex metaphors that can be difficult for the average reader to understand. This line also highlights the idea that poetry is not meant to be easily understood, but rather, it is meant to challenge and stimulate the mind.

The fourth stanza begins with the line, "Forsooth, I fancy that your golden rule." This line is a continuation of the previous stanza and suggests that there is a set of guidelines or principles that govern the art of poetry, but they are not easily discernible. The use of the word "forsooth" is archaic and adds a sense of whimsy to the poem.

The next line, "Is but to make us linger and be gay," is a reference to the idea that poetry is meant to be enjoyed and savored. The use of the word "gay" is significant because it suggests that poetry can bring joy and happiness to the reader.

The fifth stanza begins with the line, "To bid us turn the dreary, dusty page." This line is a reference to the idea that poetry can transport the reader to another world and help them escape the monotony of everyday life. The use of the words "dreary" and "dusty" suggests that the world outside of poetry is dull and lifeless.

The next line, "To bid us close the book, and seek the sun," is a continuation of the previous line and emphasizes the idea that poetry can inspire the reader to seek out new experiences and explore the world around them. The use of the word "sun" is significant because it suggests that poetry can bring light and warmth to the reader's life.

The sixth stanza begins with the line, "So do I swear by all the poems dead." This line is a reference to the poets of the past who have inspired and influenced the poet. The use of the word "swear" suggests that the poet is making a solemn promise to honor the legacy of these poets and continue their work.

The next line, "To write the verse that shall be loved of men," is a reference to the idea that poetry can transcend time and become a part of the collective consciousness of humanity. The use of the word "loved" is significant because it suggests that poetry can evoke strong emotions and connect with the reader on a deep level.

The seventh stanza begins with the line, "Of old, when Homer ruled the roving seas." This line is a reference to the ancient Greek poet Homer, who is considered one of the greatest poets of all time. The use of the word "ruled" suggests that Homer had a powerful influence over the world of poetry.

The next line, "Or Shakespeare stalked along the Avon leas," is a reference to the English playwright and poet William Shakespeare, who is also considered one of the greatest poets of all time. The use of the word "stalked" suggests that Shakespeare was a larger-than-life figure who left an indelible mark on the world of poetry.

The eighth stanza begins with the line, "The world was dark with woods, and wastes, and war." This line is a reference to the tumultuous times in which these poets lived and worked. The use of the words "woods," "wastes," and "war" suggests that the world was a dangerous and unpredictable place.

The next line, "And poets sang to men, and men to God," is a reference to the idea that poetry has always been a way for humans to connect with each other and with a higher power. The use of the word "sang" is significant because it suggests that poetry is a form of music that can lift the human spirit.

The ninth and final stanza begins with the line, "And they who heard the poets' voice of gold." This line is a reference to the readers and listeners who have been moved and inspired by the poetry of the past. The use of the word "gold" is significant because it suggests that poetry is a precious and valuable commodity.

The next line, "And drank the music of their melting words," is a reference to the idea that poetry is a form of music that can be savored and enjoyed. The use of the word "melting" is significant because it suggests that poetry can melt the heart and stir the soul.

In conclusion, Poetry L'Envoi is a masterpiece of poetry that celebrates the power and beauty of the written word. Through its use of rhetorical questions, playful jabs, and archaic language, the poem invites the reader to engage with the art of poetry and explore its mysteries. The poem's central theme of the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human soul is explored through its use of literary devices such as metaphor, imagery, and personification. Overall, Poetry L'Envoi is a timeless work of art that continues to inspire and move readers to this day.

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