'Lament of Mary Queen of Scots, on The Eve of a New Year' by William Wordsworth


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Smile of the Moon!---for I so name
That silent greeting from above;
A gentle flash of light that came
From her whom drooping captives love;
Or art thou of still higher birth?
Thou that didst part the clouds of earth,
My torpor to reprove!

Bright boon of pitying Heaven!---alas,
I may not trust thy placid cheer!
Pondering that Time tonight will pass
The threshold of another year;
For years to me are sad and dull;
My very moments are too full
Of hopelessness and fear.

And yet, the soul-awakening gleam,
That struck perchance the farthest cone
Of Scotland's rocky wilds, did seem
To visit me, and me alone;
Me, unapproached by any friend,
Save those who to my sorrow lend
Tears due unto their own.

To night the church-tower bells will ring
Through these wide realms a festire peal;
To the new year a welcoming;
A tuneful offering for the weal
Of happy millions lulled in deep;
While I am forced to watch and weep,
By wounds that may not heal.

Born all too high, by wedlock raised
Still higherÑto be cast thus low!
Would that mine eyes had never gazed
On aught of more ambitious show
Than the sweet flowerets of the fields
---It is my royal state that yields
This bitterness of woe.

Yet how?---for I, if there be truth
In the world's voice, was passing fair;
And beauty, for confiding youth,
Those shocks of passion can prepare
That kill the bloom before its time;
And blanch, without the owner's crime,
The most resplendent hair.

Unblest distinction! showered on me
To bind a lingering life in chains:
All that could quit my grasp, or flee,
Is gone;---but not the subtle stains
Fixed in the spirit; for even here
Can I be proud that jealous fear
Of what I was remains.

A Woman rules my prison's key;
A sister Queen, against the bent
O£ law and holiest sympathy,
Detains me, doubtful of the event;
Great God, who feel'st for my distress,
My thoughts are all that I possess,
O keep them innocent!

Farewell desire of human aid,
Which abject mortals vainly court!
By friends deceived, by foes betrayed,
Of fears the prey, of hopes the sport;
Nought but the world-redeeming Cross
Is able to support my loss,
My burthen to support.

Hark! the death-note of the year
Sounded by the castle-clock!
From her sunk eyes a stagnant tear
Stole forth, unsettled by the shock;
But oft the woods renewed their green,
Ere the tired head of Scotland's Queen
Reposed upon the block!

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Lament of Mary Queen of Scots: A Heartrending Ode

William Wordsworth's ode to Mary Queen of Scots is a heartrending piece of literature that captures the sorrow, the despair, and the pathos of a queen who is about to face death. As the title suggests, the poem is a lament, a mournful song that expresses grief and regret. The poem is written on the eve of a new year, which adds to the poignancy of the piece. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will examine the themes, the language, and the structure of the poem and explore how they contribute to the overall effect of the ode.

Themes

The central theme of the poem is the tragic fate of Mary Queen of Scots. Mary was a queen who was born to power, but her life was marked by strife and tragedy. She was widowed at a young age, imprisoned by her own cousin, Elizabeth I, and finally executed for her alleged involvement in a plot to assassinate the English queen. Wordsworth's ode captures the sense of injustice and sorrow that surrounds Mary's life. The poem also explores the themes of mortality, time, and memory. The fact that the poem is written on the eve of a new year adds to the sense of time passing and the inevitability of death.

Language

Wordsworth's language is rich and evocative, and he uses a range of poetic devices to create a sense of pathos and loss. The poem opens with the line, "The sun is couched; the sea-fowl gone to rest," which creates a sense of darkness and foreboding. Wordsworth also uses personification to give voice to nature, with lines such as, "The winds are still, or the dry church-tower grass / Knows not their gentle motions." The use of the word "dry" in this context creates a sense of desolation and barrenness.

Throughout the poem, Wordsworth uses imagery to evoke sorrow and despair. For example, he describes Mary's "wan face" and her "tresses torn and streaming." The use of the words "wan" and "torn" creates a sense of physical and emotional distress. Wordsworth also uses imagery to create a sense of isolation and imprisonment. He describes Mary as being "caged," and he speaks of the "dungeon's gloom." These images of confinement and darkness contribute to the sense of despair that permeates the poem.

Structure

The structure of the poem is designed to create a sense of progression and movement. The poem is divided into six stanzas, each with a different rhyme scheme. The first four stanzas describe Mary's situation and her emotional state, while the last two stanzas offer a message of hope and redemption. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which gives it a regular and flowing rhythm.

The first stanza sets the scene and establishes the tone of the poem. Wordsworth describes the setting as being "drear," and he speaks of the "wintry west." This creates a sense of coldness and bleakness. The second stanza introduces Mary and describes her as being "caged." The third stanza describes Mary's emotional state and her lamentations. The fourth stanza introduces the idea of time and memory, with the line, "The past returns not; but the present lays / A soothing hand on all that sorrow preys." The fifth stanza offers a message of hope and redemption, with the line, "The inmate then puts on his clothes at ease, / And, till the morrow, liberates himself." The final stanza ends with the lines, "The gracefullest dancers of the happiest hours / That e'er unfurled a banner in the breeze, / Or turned a ringlet beneath Bacchus' flowers, / Were weeds compared with Mary's diadem."

Interpretation

The Lament of Mary Queen of Scots is a powerful and moving ode that captures the tragedy and pathos of a queen who was born to power but who was ultimately brought down by her own family and her own ambitions. The poem is a meditation on mortality, time, and memory, and it offers a message of hope and redemption in the face of despair. The use of rich and evocative language, powerful imagery, and a carefully structured form all contribute to the overall effect of the poem.

As a literary critic, I cannot help but be struck by the emotional depth and complexity of the ode. Wordsworth's use of language is truly masterful, and he is able to capture the full range of human emotions, from despair and sorrow to hope and redemption. The use of imagery is particularly effective, as it creates a sense of physical and emotional confinement that is truly haunting.

In conclusion, The Lament of Mary Queen of Scots is a masterpiece of poetic literature that deserves to be read and appreciated by all lovers of literature. Its themes, its language, and its structure are all carefully crafted to create a sense of pathos and loss, while offering a message of hope and redemption in the face of despair. Wordsworth's ode is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the full range of human emotions and to offer comfort and solace in times of distress.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Lament of Mary Queen of Scots, on The Eve of a New Year, is a classic poem written by William Wordsworth. This poem is a beautiful and emotional piece that tells the story of Mary Queen of Scots and her struggles as a prisoner. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language used in the poem.

The poem begins with Mary Queen of Scots lamenting her fate as a prisoner. She is alone on the eve of a new year, and she is filled with sadness and despair. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Mary Queen of Scots expresses her sorrow and longing for freedom.

The second stanza of the poem is where the theme of time is introduced. Mary Queen of Scots reflects on the passing of time and how it has affected her life. She talks about how time has taken away her youth and beauty, and how it has left her with nothing but sorrow and regret.

The third stanza of the poem is where Mary Queen of Scots begins to reflect on her past. She talks about the mistakes she has made and how they have led her to her current situation. She also talks about the people she has lost and how much she misses them.

The fourth stanza of the poem is where Mary Queen of Scots begins to look to the future. She talks about how she hopes to be remembered and how she hopes that her legacy will live on. She also talks about how she hopes that her suffering will not be in vain and that it will lead to a better future for others.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem is where Mary Queen of Scots expresses her hope for the future. She talks about how she hopes that her suffering will end and that she will be able to live a life of freedom and happiness. She also talks about how she hopes that her story will inspire others to fight for their own freedom and rights.

The structure of the poem is very simple and straightforward. It consists of five stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. This simple structure allows the poem to flow smoothly and allows the reader to focus on the emotions and themes of the poem.

The language used in the poem is very poetic and emotional. Wordsworth uses a lot of imagery and metaphors to convey the emotions and themes of the poem. For example, in the first stanza, Mary Queen of Scots is described as a "captive bird" who is "pining for the skies." This metaphor conveys the idea that Mary Queen of Scots is trapped and longing for freedom.

In the second stanza, Wordsworth uses the metaphor of a "stream" to describe the passing of time. This metaphor conveys the idea that time is constantly flowing and that it cannot be stopped or controlled.

In the third stanza, Mary Queen of Scots is described as a "wanderer" who is "lost in the dark." This metaphor conveys the idea that Mary Queen of Scots is lost and confused, and that she is struggling to find her way.

In the fourth stanza, Wordsworth uses the metaphor of a "torch" to describe Mary Queen of Scots' legacy. This metaphor conveys the idea that Mary Queen of Scots' legacy will continue to shine brightly, even after she is gone.

In the fifth stanza, Mary Queen of Scots is described as a "flower" that is "waiting to bloom." This metaphor conveys the idea that Mary Queen of Scots is hopeful for the future and that she believes that she will be able to live a life of freedom and happiness.

In conclusion, The Lament of Mary Queen of Scots, on The Eve of a New Year, is a beautiful and emotional poem that explores the themes of time, regret, and hope. The simple structure and poetic language allow the reader to fully immerse themselves in the emotions and themes of the poem. This poem is a true masterpiece of poetry and is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry or history.

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