'The Ballad Of Pious Pete' by Robert Service
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"The North has got him." --Yukonism.
I tried to refine that neighbor of mine, honest to God, I did.
I grieved for his fate, and early and late I watched over him like a kid.
I gave him excuse, I bore his abuse in every way that I could;
I swore to prevail; I camped on his trail; I plotted and planned for his good.
By day and by night I strove in men's sight to gather him into the fold,
With precept and prayer, with hope and despair, in hunger and hardship and cold.
I followed him into Gehennas of sin, I sat where the sirens sit;
In the shade of the Pole, for the sake of his soul, I strove with the powers of the Pit.
I shadowed him down to the scrofulous town; I dragged him from dissolute brawls;
But I killed the galoot when he started to shoot electricity into my walls.
God knows what I did he should seek to be rid of one who would save him from shame.
God knows what I bore that night when he swore and bade me make tracks from his claim.
I started to tell of the horrors of hell, when sudden his eyes lit like coals;
And "Chuck it," says he, "don't persecute me with your cant and your saving of souls."
I'll swear I was mild as I'd be with a child, but he called me the son of a slut;
And, grabbing his gun with a leap and a run, he threatened my face with the butt.
So what could I do (I leave it to you)? With curses he harried me forth;
Then he was alone, and I was alone, and over us menaced the North.
Our cabins were near; I could see, I could hear; but between us there rippled the creek;
And all summer through, with a rancor that grew, he would pass me and never would speak.
Then a shuddery breath like the coming of Death crept down from the peaks far away;
The water was still; the twilight was chill; the sky was a tatter of gray.
Swift came the Big Cold, and opal and gold the lights of the witches arose;
The frost-tyrant clinched, and the valley was cinched by the stark and cadaverous snows.
The trees were like lace where the star-beams could chase, each leaf was a jewel agleam.
The soft white hush lapped the Northland and wrapped us round in a crystalline dream;
So still I could hear quite loud in my ear the swish of the pinions of time;
So bright I could see, as plain as could be, the wings of God's angels ashine.
As I read in the Book I would oftentimes look to that cabin just over the creek.
Ah me, it was sad and evil and bad, two neighbors who never would speak!
I knew that full well like a devil in hell he was hatching out, early and late,
A system to bear through the frost-spangled air the warm, crimson waves of his hate.
I only could peer and shudder and fear--'twas ever so ghastly and still;
But I knew over there in his lonely despair he was plotting me terrible ill.
I knew that he nursed a malice accurst, like the blast of a winnowing flame;
I pleaded aloud for a shield, for a shroud--Oh, God! then calamity came.
Mad! If I'm mad then you too are mad; but it's all in the point of view.
If you'd looked at them things gallivantin' on wings, all purple and green and blue;
If you'd noticed them twist, as they mounted and hissed like scorpions dim in the dark;
If you'd seen them rebound with a horrible sound, and spitefully spitting a spark;
If you'd watched IT with dread, as it hissed by your bed, that thing with the feelers that crawls--
You'd have settled the brute that attempted to shoot electricity into your walls.
Oh, some they were blue, and they slithered right through; they were silent and squashy and round;
And some they were green; they were wriggly and lean; they writhed with so hateful a sound.
My blood seemed to freeze; I fell on my knees; my face was a white splash of dread.
Oh, the Green and the Blue, they were gruesome to view; but the worst of them all were the Red.
They came through the door, they came through the floor, they came through the moss-creviced logs.
They were savage and dire; they were whiskered with fire; they bickered like malamute dogs.
They ravined in rings like iniquitous things; they gulped down the Green and the Blue.
I crinkled with fear whene'er they drew near, and nearer and nearer they drew.
And then came the crown of Horror's grim crown, the monster so loathsomely red.
Each eye was a pin that shot out and in, as, squidlike, it oozed to my bed;
So softly it crept with feelers that swept and quivered like fine copper wire;
Its belly was white with a sulphurous light, it jaws were a-drooling with fire.
It came and it came; I could breathe of its flame, but never a wink could I look.
I thrust in its maw the Fount of the Law; I fended it off with the Book.
I was weak--oh, so weak--but I thrilled at its shriek, as wildly it fled in the night;
And deathlike I lay till the dawn of the day. (Was ever so welcome the light?)
I loaded my gun at the rise of the sun; to his cabin so softly I slunk.
My neighbor was there in the frost-freighted air, all wrapped in a robe in his bunk.
It muffled his moans; it outlined his bones, as feebly he twisted about;
His gums were so black, and his lips seemed to crack, and his teeth all were loosening out.
'Twas a death's head that peered through the tangle of beard; 'twas a face I will never forget;
Sunk eyes full of woe, and they troubled me so with their pleadings and anguish, and yet
As I rested my gaze in a misty amaze on the scurvy-degenerate wreck,
I thought of the Things with the dragon-fly wings, then laid I my gun on his neck.
He gave out a cry that was faint as a sigh, like a perishing malamute,
And he says unto me, "I'm converted," says he; "for Christ's sake, Peter, don't shoot!"
* * * * *
They're taking me out with an escort about, and under a sergeant's care;
I am humbled indeed, for I'm 'cuffed to a Swede that thinks he's a millionaire.
But it's all Gospel true what I'm telling to you-- up there where the Shadow falls--
That I settled Sam Noot when he started to shoot electricity into my walls.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Ballad Of Pious Pete: A Masterpiece of Service's Craft
When one thinks of Robert Service, the first thing that comes to mind is his prolific work in the field of poetry. Among his numerous works, The Ballad Of Pious Pete stands out as one of his finest pieces. Through its vivid imagery, compelling narrative, and captivating rhyme scheme, Service takes the reader on a journey that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbolism, and literary devices used by Service to create this masterpiece of poetry.
The Story of Pious Pete
The Ballad Of Pious Pete tells the story of a man named Peter, who is known in his community for his piety and righteous ways. He is respected and revered by all, and his reputation for goodness and holiness is unmatched. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that Pete's piety is only a façade, and he is, in fact, a hypocrite who is far from the saintly figure that he appears to be.
The story begins with the introduction of Pete, who is described as a "holy man." He is shown to be a devout Christian who spends much of his time in prayer and meditation. The people in his community look up to him and seek his guidance in all matters of faith and spirituality. As the poem progresses, we see Pete's hypocrisy and deceitful nature come to light. He is shown to be a greedy and selfish man, who is willing to do anything to satisfy his own desires, even if it means deceiving those around him.
The climax of the poem comes when Pete is caught stealing money from the church's collection box. This is the moment when his true nature is exposed, and the people who once revered him turn against him. In the end, Pete is left alone and ostracized from his community, a fallen man who has lost everything he once held dear.
Themes in The Ballad Of Pious Pete
One of the themes that stands out in The Ballad Of Pious Pete is the theme of hypocrisy. Service uses the character of Pete to explore the idea that outward appearances can be deceiving. He shows how people can appear to be virtuous and pious, but in reality, they may be anything but. This theme is particularly relevant in today's world, where we are often bombarded with images of people who seem to be living perfect lives, but in reality, they are far from it.
Another theme that is explored in the poem is that of greed and selfishness. Pete is shown to be a man who is consumed by his desire for money and material possessions. He is willing to lie, cheat, and steal to get what he wants, and he shows no remorse for his actions. This theme is particularly relevant in today's society, where the pursuit of wealth and power often leads people down a path of moral corruption.
Symbolism in The Ballad Of Pious Pete
Service's use of symbolism in The Ballad Of Pious Pete is particularly noteworthy. He uses a number of symbols to convey his message and to add depth and meaning to the poem. One of the most important symbols in the poem is that of the church. The church represents the community and the values that the people in the community hold dear. Pete's theft from the church is a symbolic act that represents his betrayal of the community and the values that he once claimed to espouse.
Another important symbol in the poem is that of the Bible. The Bible represents the moral code that Pete has violated. He is shown to be a man who claims to follow the teachings of the Bible, but in reality, he has strayed far from the path of righteousness.
Literary Devices in The Ballad Of Pious Pete
Service's use of literary devices in The Ballad Of Pious Pete is masterful. He uses a number of techniques to create a poem that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. One of the most striking features of the poem is its rhyme scheme. The poem is written in a ballad form, with a rhyming scheme that is both catchy and memorable. This helps to make the poem more accessible to readers and to make it easier to remember.
Another literary device that Service uses in the poem is repetition. He repeats certain phrases and lines throughout the poem, which helps to create a sense of rhythm and flow. This repetition also serves to reinforce the themes of the poem and to make them more prominent in the reader's mind.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Ballad Of Pious Pete is a masterpiece of Robert Service's craft. Through its vivid imagery, compelling narrative, and captivating rhyme scheme, Service takes the reader on a journey that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The themes of hypocrisy and greed are explored in a way that is both timely and relevant, and the use of symbolism and literary devices adds depth and meaning to the poem. Overall, The Ballad Of Pious Pete is a must-read for anyone who appreciates great poetry and wants to explore the complexities of the human condition.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Ballad of Pious Pete: A Tale of Redemption and Faith
Robert Service's classic poem, The Ballad of Pious Pete, is a stirring tale of a man's journey from sin to salvation. Set in the rugged landscape of the American West, the poem tells the story of a hard-drinking, womanizing cowboy who finds redemption through his encounter with a preacher named Brother Paul.
At its heart, The Ballad of Pious Pete is a story about the power of faith to transform lives. Through vivid imagery and powerful storytelling, Service takes us on a journey that is both thrilling and deeply moving.
The poem opens with a description of Pete's wild and reckless ways. He is a man who lives for the moment, with little regard for the consequences of his actions. He drinks hard, gambles, and chases women with abandon. But despite his rough exterior, there is a sense of sadness and emptiness that lurks beneath the surface.
It is in this state of despair that Pete encounters Brother Paul, a preacher who has come to town to spread the word of God. At first, Pete is skeptical of the preacher's message. He sees religion as a crutch for the weak, and he has little patience for those who preach about sin and salvation.
But as the poem unfolds, we see a gradual transformation in Pete's attitude. He begins to listen to Brother Paul's sermons, and he is struck by the preacher's sincerity and conviction. He begins to see the world in a new light, and he starts to question the choices he has made in his life.
As Pete's faith grows stronger, he begins to make changes in his life. He stops drinking and gambling, and he becomes more respectful towards women. He starts to see the value of hard work and honesty, and he begins to take responsibility for his actions.
But despite his newfound faith, Pete is not immune to temptation. He is still a man with desires and weaknesses, and he finds himself drawn to a beautiful woman named Belle. Belle is everything that Pete used to be attracted to – wild, free-spirited, and unapologetic. But as he spends more time with her, he realizes that she is not the kind of woman he wants to be with. She is a reminder of his old life, and he knows that he cannot go back to that way of living.
In the end, Pete's faith is put to the ultimate test when he is faced with a life-threatening situation. He is caught in a blizzard while out on the range, and he is forced to take shelter in a cave. As he waits for the storm to pass, he is haunted by his past mistakes and his fear of death.
But it is in this moment of crisis that Pete's faith shines through. He prays to God for strength and guidance, and he finds the courage to face his fears. When the storm finally subsides, he emerges from the cave a changed man. He is no longer the reckless cowboy he once was – he is a man of faith and conviction, ready to face whatever challenges life may bring.
The Ballad of Pious Pete is a timeless tale of redemption and faith that speaks to the human experience. It is a reminder that no matter how far we may stray from the path of righteousness, there is always a chance for redemption. Through the power of faith and the grace of God, we can find the strength to overcome our weaknesses and become the people we were meant to be.
Service's use of vivid imagery and powerful storytelling makes The Ballad of Pious Pete a truly unforgettable poem. It is a testament to the enduring power of literature to inspire and uplift us, and it is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow.
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