'Drinking Song, On the Excellence of Burgundy Wine' by Hilaire Belloc
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My jolly fat host with your face all a-grin,
Come, open the door to us, let us come in.
A score of stout fellows who think it no sin
If they toast till they're hoarse, and drink till they spin,
Hoofed it amain
Rain or no rain,
To crack your old jokes, and your bottle to drain.
Such a warmth in the belly that nectar begets
As soon as his guts with its humour he wets,
The miser his gold, and the student his debts,
And the beggar his rags and his hunger forgets.
For there's never a wine
Like this tipple of thine
From the great hill of Nuits to the River of Rhine.
Outside you may hear the great gusts as they go
By Foy, by Duerne, and the hills of Lerraulx,
But the rain he may rain, and the wind he may blow,
If the Devil's above there's good liquor below.
So it abound,
Pass it around,
Burgundy's Burgundy all the year round
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Drinking Song, On the Excellence of Burgundy Wine by Hilaire Belloc
Are you a wine lover? Do you appreciate poetry? Then Hilaire Belloc's Drinking Song, On the Excellence of Burgundy Wine is a masterpiece you should not miss. This classic poem, written in 1898, is a beautiful ode to the beauty and the virtues of wine.
Belloc, a French-English poet and writer, was known for his wit, humor, and satire, but with this poem, he shows us his romantic side. He praises wine as a healer, a comforter, a friend, and a muse, and he does it with such passion and eloquence that you can almost hear the clinking of glasses and the murmurs of a merry company.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will examine the structure, the themes, the imagery, and the language of this poem, and explore its significance in the context of Belloc's life and work.
The Structure
The poem is composed of six stanzas, each consisting of four lines, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB. The meter is irregular, with variations of iambic and anapestic feet, which gives the poem a playful, musical quality.
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with its opening line: "Dark wine, whose powers are divine." Here, Belloc addresses wine as a deity, a supernatural force that can transcend the human experience. He also establishes the theme of wine as a source of pleasure and inspiration, which he will develop throughout the poem.
The second and third stanzas explore the physical and emotional effects of wine. Belloc describes how wine can warm the body, ease the mind, and open the heart. He also acknowledges the dangers of excessive drinking, but he argues that a moderate amount of wine is necessary for a healthy and joyful life.
The fourth and fifth stanzas celebrate the social and cultural aspects of wine. Belloc praises wine as a catalyst for friendship, conversation, and creativity. He also emphasizes the importance of wine in the French culture and history, as a symbol of sophistication, refinement, and tradition.
The sixth and final stanza concludes the poem with a toast to wine, and to the "honest friends" who share it. Belloc suggests that wine is not just a drink, but a symbol of a way of life, of a philosophy of joy and companionship.
The Themes
The main themes of the poem are:
- Wine as a source of pleasure and inspiration
- Wine as a healer and a comforter
- Wine as a social and cultural symbol
- Wine as a way of life
Belloc explores these themes with a mix of humor, irony, and sincerity. He acknowledges the contradictions and complexities of wine, but he also celebrates its beauty and virtues.
One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is how it combines the physical and the spiritual aspects of wine. Belloc describes wine as a "healing balm," a "joyous magic," and a "celestial drink," suggesting that wine can have a transcendent, almost mystical quality. At the same time, he also describes wine as a "fire" and a "sensual pleasure," acknowledging its earthly, bodily nature.
Another interesting theme is the relationship between wine and friendship. Belloc argues that wine is not just a drink, but a symbol of conviviality, of shared experiences and values. He suggests that wine can bring people together, create bonds of trust and affection, and inspire creativity and intellectual exchange.
The Imagery
Belloc's imagery in this poem is rich and evocative, using metaphors and analogies to convey the beauty and the complexity of wine. Here are some examples:
- "Dark wine, whose powers are divine": Here, Belloc uses personification to elevate wine to a divine status, suggesting that it has supernatural powers and qualities.
- "O wine, red wine, mellow and generous wine": Here, Belloc uses color and texture to describe the physical appearance of wine, suggesting that it is smooth, rich, and full-bodied.
- "Like a ruby from the vintage shining": Here, Belloc uses a simile to compare wine to a precious gem, suggesting that it is valuable and rare.
- "Each year you fill the golden cup": Here, Belloc uses a metaphor to compare wine to a gift, suggesting that it is a blessing that comes every year, and that we should appreciate and cherish it.
The Language
Belloc's language in this poem is poetic, lyrical, and at times, humorous. He uses a wide range of literary devices, such as alliteration, assonance, onomatopoeia, and repetition, to create a musical effect and to emphasize certain words and phrases.
He also uses a mix of high and low registers, combining formal and colloquial language, to create a sense of intimacy and familiarity. For example, he addresses wine with both reverence ("Dark wine, whose powers are divine") and affection ("O wine, red wine, mellow and generous wine").
Overall, Belloc's language in this poem is a perfect example of how poetry can elevate the ordinary and the mundane to the realm of the sublime and the transcendent.
The Significance
Drinking Song, On the Excellence of Burgundy Wine is a significant poem in the context of Belloc's life and work. It reflects his love of wine, his appreciation of French culture and history, and his belief in the importance of conviviality and friendship.
It also reflects Belloc's literary style and themes, which combine humor, satire, and romance, and which often explore the contradictions and complexities of human nature and society.
Finally, this poem is significant because it speaks to a universal human experience: the joy of sharing a good drink with good friends, and the recognition that such moments are precious and rare, and should be celebrated and remembered.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Drinking Song, On the Excellence of Burgundy Wine is a masterpiece of poetry, a celebration of wine, friendship, and life itself. Belloc's language, imagery, and themes are rich and evocative, creating a sense of beauty and joy that is hard to resist.
Whether you are a wine lover or not, this poem is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the power of words to convey the joys and sorrows of the human experience. So, raise your glass to Hilaire Belloc, and to the "honest friends" who share his love of wine and poetry. Cheers!
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
On the Excellence of Burgundy Wine: A Poetic Ode to the Nectar of the Gods
If you're a wine enthusiast, you've probably heard of Burgundy wine. This exquisite wine is known for its rich flavor, complex aroma, and velvety texture. But have you ever wondered what makes Burgundy wine so special? Look no further than Hilaire Belloc's classic poem, "On the Excellence of Burgundy Wine."
Belloc's poem is a drinking song that celebrates the virtues of Burgundy wine. It's a playful and lighthearted ode to the nectar of the gods, and it's sure to make any wine lover's heart skip a beat. Let's take a closer look at this masterpiece of wine literature.
The poem begins with a simple declaration: "Of all the drinks that God has made, / By far the best is Burgundy." Belloc wastes no time in getting to the point. He's not interested in discussing the merits of other drinks; he knows that Burgundy wine is the king of beverages.
But what makes Burgundy wine so great? Belloc gives us a clue in the next stanza: "It makes men brave and women wise, / And clears the eye and gladdens the heart." Burgundy wine, according to Belloc, has the power to transform us. It gives us courage, wisdom, and joy. It's not just a drink; it's a magical elixir that can change our lives.
Belloc goes on to describe the wine in more detail. He tells us that it's "red as blood and smooth as oil," with a "fragrant smell that fills the air." He notes that it's "rich and strong and full of fire," with a flavor that lingers on the tongue. Belloc's descriptions are vivid and evocative; you can almost taste the wine as you read his words.
But Belloc doesn't just describe the wine; he also tells us about the people who drink it. He tells us that Burgundy wine is "the drink of kings and lords and peers," and that it's "the wine of love and chivalry." He paints a picture of a world where Burgundy wine is the drink of choice for the elite, where it's associated with romance and adventure.
Belloc's poem is not just a celebration of Burgundy wine; it's also a celebration of life. He tells us that "life is short and time is fleet," and that we should "drink deep and never count the cost." He urges us to savor every moment, to enjoy the pleasures of life while we can. Burgundy wine, for Belloc, is a symbol of the good life, a reminder that we should embrace all that life has to offer.
In conclusion, "On the Excellence of Burgundy Wine" is a masterpiece of wine literature. Belloc's poem is a joyful celebration of the virtues of Burgundy wine, a drink that he believes is the best that God has made. His descriptions of the wine are vivid and evocative, and his words are sure to make any wine lover's heart skip a beat. But the poem is more than just a celebration of wine; it's a celebration of life itself. Belloc urges us to savor every moment, to drink deep and never count the cost. So let's raise a glass of Burgundy wine to Hilaire Belloc, and to the good life that he so eloquently celebrates in his poem.
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