'The Warrior Return' by Amelia Opie
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Sir Walter returned from the far Holy Land,
And a blood-tinctured falchion he bore;
But such precious blood as now darkened his sword
Had never distained it before.
Fast fluttered his heart as his own castle towers
He saw on the mountain's green height;
"My wife, and my son!" he exclaimed, while his tears
Obscured for some moments his sight.
For terror now whispered, the wife he had left
Full fifteen long twelvemonths before,
The child he had claspt in his farewel embrace,
Might both, then , alas! be no more.
Then, sighing, he thought of his Editha's tears
As his steed bore him far from her sight,
And her accents of love, while she fervently cried,
"Great God! guard his life in the fight!"
And then he remembered, in language half formed
How his child strove to bid him adieu;
While scarcely he now can believe, as a man,
That infant may soon meet his view.
But should he not live!....To escape from that fear,
He eagerly spurred his bold steed:
Nor stopped he again, till his own castle moat
Forbade on the way to proceed.
'T was day-break: yet still past the windows he saw
Busy forms lightly trip to and fro:
Blest sight! that she lives," he exclaimed with smile,
"Those symptoms of housewifery show:
"For, stranger to sloth, and on business intent,
The dawn calls her forth from her bed;
And see, through the castle, all busy appear,
By her to their duty still led."
That instant the knight by the warder was seen,
For far flamed the cross on his breast;
And while loud blew the horn, now a smile, now a tear,
Sir Walter's mixt feelings expressed.
'Tis I, my loved vassals!" the warrior exclaimed,....
The voice reached his Editha's ears;
Who, breathless and speechless, soon rushed to his arms,
Her transport betraying by tears.
"And dost thou still love me?" he uttered, when first
A silence so rapturous he broke;
She tried to reply, but in vain....while her sobs
A volume of tenderness spoke.
Behold how I'm changed! how I'm scarred!" he exclaimed,
"Each charm that I boasted is o'er:"....
"Thou hast bled for THY GOD ," she replied, "and each scar
Endears thee, my warrior, the more."
"But where is my child?" he cried, pale with alarm,
"Thou namest not my Alfred....my boy!"........
"And comes he not with you?" she said;...."then some woe
Embitters our beverage of joy."
"What meanest thou, my love?"......."When to manhood he grew,
And heard of his father's great name,
'O let me', he cried, 'to the Holy Land go,
To share my sire's dangers, and fame.
"'Perchance my young arm, by the cause nerved with strength,
May lower the Pagan's proud crest:
And the brave Christian knights, in reward of my zeal,
May bind the red cross on my breast,'....
"'And think'st thou,' I said, 'with the son I can part,
Till the father be safe in my arms?
No....hope not I'll add to the fears of the wife
The mother's as poignant alarms.'
"I ceased....and his head on my bosom reclined,
While his golden hair shaded his cheek;
When, parting his ringlets, I saw the big tears
His heart's disappointment bespeak.
The sight overcame me: 'Most loved,' I exclaimed,
'Go, share in thy father's renown!
Thy mother will gladly, to dry up thy tears,
Endure an increase of her own .'
"He kissed me...he thanked me....I armed him myself,
And girt his pure sword on his side;
So lovely he looked, that the mother's fond fears
Were lost in the mother's fond pride."
"He went then?...How long has my warrior been gone?"
"A twelvemonth, my Walter, and more."
Indeed!....then he scarcely could reach the far land
Until the last battle was o'er."
"I told him, my Walter, what armour was yours,
And what the device on your shield,
In hopes of your meeting."...."Alas!" he returned:
"My armour I changed on the field!
"A friend whom I loved from the dawning of youth,
For conquest and courage renowned,
Fell, fighting beside me, and thus he exclaimed,
While life issued fast from the wound:
"'And must I then die ere the flag of the Cross
Waves proudly o'er Saracen towers?
But grant me, loved Walter, this dying request,
For victory must surely be ours:
"'My armour well tried, and my falchion, my shield,
In memory of me deign to wear!
'T would sooth me to know, when the victory comes on,
That something of mine will be there!'
"I granted his wish, and his arms I assumed,
While yet he the action could see,
And marked with delight that his last closing look
Was fixt with fond pleasure on me.
"Yet now, this remembrance so dear to my heart
Is clouded by anxious regret;
Since, but for this change on the field of the fight,
The father and son would have met!"
"But if he has fought, and has fallen, my love!"....
"Suppress," cried the knight with a frown,
"A fear so ill-founded;....if Alfred had died,
He'd have fallen a child of renown ."
Yet vainly he strove by the father's proud hopes
To conquer the father's fond fears;
He feared for the life of his boy, though with smiles
He answered his Editha's tears.
And more and more forced grew the smile on his lip,
His brow more o'erclouded with thought;
At length he exclaimed, "From the field of renown
One mournful memorial I've brought.
"I grieve that I won it!....A Saracen chief
Fell bleeding before me in fight,
When lo! as I claimed him my prisoner and prize,
A warrior disputed my right.
"'I'm new to the battle,' he cried, 'and this prize
Will wreathe my young brow with renown,
Nor will I the conquest resign but with life:....
That chief by this arm was o'erthrown.'
"His daring enraged me,...for mine seemed the stroke
Which laid the proud Saracen low;....
Besides, from his bosom depended no cross,
His right to such daring to show."
"But surely, my Walter, the daring bespoke
A soul nobly eager for fame:
So many your laurels, that one you could spare,....
0 tell me you granted his claim !"
"No, Editha, no!....martial pride steeled my heart,
The youth I to combat defied;
He fought like a hero! but vainly he fought,...
Beneath my strong falchion he died."
"O ill-fated youth! how I bleed for his fate!
Perhaps that his mother, like me
Had armed him, and blest him, and prays for his life,
As I pray, my Alfred, for thee!....
"But never again shall he gladden her eyes,
And haste her fond blessing to crave!
O Walter! I tremble lest you in return
Be doomed to the sorrow you gave!
"Say, did not the cross, when your victim he fell,
Lie heavy and cold on your breast;....
That symbol of him full of meekness and love,
Whose deeds mercy only expressed?"
Yes....pity, shame, penitence seized on my soul;
So sweet too his voice was in tone!
Methought as he lay, and in agony groaned,
His accents resembled thine own.
"His casque I unlaced, and I chafed his cold brow,
And fain every wound would have healed;
So young, and so lovely he seemed, that I wept
As by him I tenderly kneeled.
"He saw my distress, and his last dying grasp
Forgiveness and kindness expressed;
And then, with a look I shall never forget,
He breathed his last sigh on my breast."
"But what's this memorial?" with cheek deadly pale
His Editha falteringly cried:...
"This scarf from his bosom!"....he uttered no more,
For Editha sunk by his side.
Ah then in her danger, her pale look of death,
He forgot all the laurels he'd won.
O father accurst!" she exclaimed, "in that youth
You slaughtered your Alfred....your son!"
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Warrior Return: A Masterpiece of Romantic Poetry
Are you looking for a poem that evokes emotions and transports you to another time and place? Then look no further than Amelia Opie's "The Warrior Return." This classic poem, published in 1808, is a shining example of romantic poetry that celebrates love, heroism, and the power of memory.
Background
Before we dive into the poem itself, let's take a moment to appreciate the poet who wrote it. Amelia Opie was a prolific writer and social reformer in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. She was known for her progressive views on women's rights, as well as her writing, which included novels, poetry, and children's books.
Opie's poetry was characterized by its emotional depth, vivid imagery, and romantic themes. Her work often explored the complexities of love and human relationships, as well as the beauty and power of the natural world.
Now, let's turn our attention to "The Warrior Return."
Summary
The poem tells the story of a young woman who is eagerly awaiting the return of her lover, a warrior who has been away at war. As she waits, she reminisces about their past together and imagines their future.
The poem is divided into six stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza sets the scene:
The warrior's bride, whose heart has beat With anxious hopes and fears, Counts every sound and hurries feet, That to her hall-steps nears.
The second stanza describes the woman's memories of her lover:
She thinks of all his valour's deeds, Of all his love's sweet words, And wonders if his heart still bleeds For her, as when the swords
The third stanza expresses her longing for him:
Oh! would, she cries, the signal flame That tells me of his nearness, Would in its quick and fitful beam Show all my lover's dearness.
The fourth stanza portrays the woman's anticipation and excitement:
At length! she cries, "at length he's here! I hear his welcome tread!" And swift as thought, so light, so clear, She meets him and is wed.
The fifth stanza celebrates the couple's reunion:
And is there aught, that life bestows, So sweet, so pure, so blest, As thus to clasp the heart one knows Beats for us in the breast?
The final stanza concludes the poem with a reflection on the power of memory:
Thus shall the lover's memory be A charm in lonely hours, Thus shall the warrior's bravery Be ever fresh with flowers.
Analysis
"The Warrior Return" is a beautiful and poignant poem that captures the essence of romantic love. Opie's use of vivid imagery and powerful language evokes strong emotions in the reader, making us feel as if we are right there with the woman, waiting for her lover to return.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its emphasis on memory. The woman's memories of her lover and their past together are a central theme throughout the poem. Opie suggests that memory has the power to sustain us during times of separation and difficulty, and that it can keep alive the love and bravery of those we cherish.
Another notable aspect of the poem is its celebration of heroism. The warrior is portrayed as a brave and valiant figure, worthy of the woman's love and devotion. Opie's use of war imagery and language gives the poem a sense of urgency and intensity, making the reader feel as if they are in the midst of battle.
Finally, the poem's structure and form are worth mentioning. The use of four-line stanzas gives the poem a sense of rhythm and balance, while the repetition of certain phrases and words ("at length," "the warrior's," "the lover's") creates a sense of unity and coherence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Warrior Return" is a masterpiece of romantic poetry that celebrates the power of memory, the beauty of love, and the bravery of heroes. Opie's use of vivid imagery, powerful language, and strong emotions make this poem a joy to read and a testament to the enduring power of love.
So if you're looking for a poem that will transport you to another time and place, and evoke strong emotions and deep reflections, look no further than "The Warrior Return" by Amelia Opie.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has always been a medium for expressing emotions and experiences, and Amelia Opie's "The Warrior's Return" is no exception. This classic poem, written in 1803, tells the story of a soldier's return home after a long and arduous battle. The poem is a beautiful depiction of the emotional turmoil that a soldier goes through upon returning home, and the joy and relief that comes with being reunited with loved ones.
The poem begins with a description of the soldier's return, as he rides through the town on his horse. The townspeople are overjoyed to see him, and they cheer and wave as he passes by. The soldier, however, is lost in thought, and his mind is filled with memories of the battle he has just fought. He is haunted by the faces of his fallen comrades, and he wonders if he will ever be able to forget the horrors he has witnessed.
Opie's use of imagery is particularly effective in this opening stanza. The contrast between the soldier's inner turmoil and the joyful scene around him is striking, and it sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The image of the soldier riding through the town on his horse is also significant, as it symbolizes his journey back to civilian life.
As the soldier continues on his journey, he is greeted by his wife and children. The reunion is emotional, and the soldier is overwhelmed with joy at the sight of his family. He embraces them tightly, and for a moment, all of his fears and worries are forgotten. The scene is beautifully described by Opie, who captures the raw emotion of the moment.
The second stanza of the poem is particularly powerful, as it describes the soldier's emotional state. Opie writes, "His heart was full, his eye was dim, / The warrior's soul was moved in him." These lines convey the depth of the soldier's emotions, and the toll that the war has taken on him. The use of the word "warrior" is also significant, as it emphasizes the soldier's identity as a fighter.
As the soldier settles back into civilian life, he finds it difficult to adjust. He is haunted by memories of the war, and he struggles to find meaning in his new life. He longs for the camaraderie of his fellow soldiers, and he feels isolated and alone. Opie captures this sense of dislocation beautifully, writing, "He felt like one who treads alone / Some banquet hall deserted."
The third stanza of the poem is particularly poignant, as it describes the soldier's struggle to find meaning in his new life. Opie writes, "He heard the music's distant sound, / The banquet's laughter gay; / He felt his former joys rebound, / And sighed his soul away." These lines convey the soldier's sense of loss and longing, and they highlight the difficulty of transitioning from a life of war to a life of peace.
Despite his struggles, the soldier eventually finds solace in his family. He realizes that they are the ones who truly matter, and he devotes himself to them completely. Opie captures this sense of devotion beautifully, writing, "His heart was in his home, and there / His spirit found its rest." These lines convey the soldier's sense of peace and contentment, and they highlight the importance of family in times of hardship.
In conclusion, "The Warrior's Return" is a beautiful and poignant poem that captures the emotional turmoil of a soldier returning home from war. Opie's use of imagery and language is particularly effective, and she conveys the soldier's struggles and triumphs with great skill. The poem is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of family and love in times of hardship.
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