'Heroic Stanzas' by John Dryden
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Consecrated to the Glorious Memory of His
Most Serene and Renowned Highness, Oliver,
Late Lord Protector of This Commonwealth, etc.
(Oliver Cromwell)
Written After the Celebration of his Funeral
1
And now 'tis time; for their officious haste,
Who would before have borne him to the sky,
Like eager Romans ere all rites were past
Did let too soon the sacred eagle fly.
2
Though our best notes are treason to his fame
Join'd with the loud applause of public voice;
Since Heav'n, what praise we offer to his name,
Hath render'd too authentic by its choice;
3
Though in his praise no arts can liberal be,
Since they whose Muses have the highest flown
Add not to his immortal memory,
But do an act of friendship to their own;
4
Yet 'tis our duty and our interest too
Such monuments as we can build to raise,
Lest all the world prevent what we should do
And claim a title in him by their praise.
5
How shall I then begin, or where conclude
To draw a fame so truly circular?
For in a round what order can be shew'd,
Where all the parts so equal perfect are?
6
His grandeur he deriv'd from Heav'n alone,
For he was great ere fortune made him so,
And wars like mists that rise against the sun
Made him but greater seem, not greater grown.
7
No borrow'd bays his temples did adorn,
But to our crown he did fresh jewels bring.
Nor was his virtue poison'd soon as born
With the too early thoughts of being king.
8
Fortune (that easy mistress of the young
But to her ancient servant coy and hard)
Him at that age her favorites rank'd among
When she her best-lov'd Pompey did discard.
9
He, private, mark'd the faults of others' sway,
And set as sea-marks for himself to shun,
Not like rash monarchs who their youth betray
By acts their age too late would wish undone.
10
And yet dominion was not his design;
We owe that blessing not to him but Heaven,
Which to fair acts unsought rewards did join,
Rewards that less to him than us were given.
11
Our former chiefs like sticklers of the war
First sought t'inflame the parties, then to poise,
The quarrel lov'd, but did the cause abhor,
And did not strike to hurt but make a noise.
12
War, our consumption, was their gainfull trade;
We inward bled whilst they prolong'd our pain;
He fought to end our fighting and assay'd
To stanch the blood by breathing of the vein.
13
Swift and resistless through the land he pass'd
Like that bold Greek who did the east subdue,
And made to battles such heroic haste
As if on wings of victory he flew.
14
He fought secure of fortune as of fame,
Till by new maps the island might be shown,
Of conquests which he strew'd where'er he came
Thick as a galaxy with stars is sown.
15
His palms, though under weights they did not stand,
Still thriv'd; no winter could his laurels fade;
Heav'n in his portrait shew'd a workman's hand
And drew it perfect yet without a shade.
16
Peace was the prize of all his toils and care,
Which war had banish'd and did now restore;
Bologna's walls thus mounted in the air
To seat themselves more surely than before.
17
Her safety rescu'd Ireland to him owes,
And treacherous Scotland, to no int'rest true,
Yet bless'd that fate which did his arms dispose
Her land to civilize as to subdue.
18
Nor was he like those stars which only shine
When to pale mariners they storms portend;
He had his calmer influence, and his mien
Did love and majesty together blend.
19
'Tis true, his count'nance did imprint an awe,
And naturally all souls to his did bow,
As wands of divination downward draw
And points to beds where sov'reign gold doth grow.
20
When past all offerings to Feretrian Jove,
He Mars depos'd and arms to gowns made yield;
Successful councils did him soon approve
As fit for close intrigues as open field.
21
To suppliant Holland he vouchsaf'd a peace,
Our once bold rival in the British main,
Now tamely glad her unjust claim to cease
And buy our friendship with her idol, gain.
22
Fame of th' asserted sea through Europe blown
Made France and Spain ambitious of his love;
Each knew that side must conquer he would own,
And for him fiercely as for empire strove.
23
No sooner was the Frenchman's cause embrac'd
Than the light monsieur the grave don outweigh'd;
His fortune turn'd the scale where it was cast,
Though Indian mines were in the other laid.
24
When absent, yet we conquer'd in his right,
For though some meaner artist's skill were shown
In mingling colours, or in placing light,
Yet still the fair designment was his own.
25
For from all tempers he could service draw;
The worth of each with its alloy he knew,
And as the confidant of Nature saw
How she complexions did divide and brew.
26
Or he their single virtues did survey
By intuition in his own large breast,
Where all the rich ideas of them lay,
That were the rule and measure to the rest.
27
When such heroic virtue Heav'n sets out,
The stars like Commons sullenly obey,
Because it drains them when it comes about,
And therefore is a tax they seldom pay.
28
From this high spring our foreign conquests flow,
Which yet more glorious triumphs do portend,
Since their commencement to his arms they owe,
If springs as high as fountains may ascend.
29
He made us freemen of the continent
Whom Nature did like captives treat before,
To nobler preys the English lion sent,
And taught him first in Belgian walks to roar.
30
That old unquestion'd pirate of the land,
Proud Rome, with dread the fate of Dunkirk heard,
And trembling wish'd behind more Alps to stand,
Although an Alexander were here guard.
31
By his command we boldly cross'd the line
And bravely fought where southern stars arise,
We trac'd the far-fetch'd gold unto the mine
And that which brib'd our fathers made our prize.
32
Such was our prince; yet own'd a soul above
The highest acts it could produce to show:
Thus poor mechanic arts in public move
Whilst the deep secrets beyond practice go.
33
Nor di'd he when his ebbing fame went less,
But when fresh laurels courted him to live;
He seem'd but to prevent some new success,
As if above what triumphs earth could give.
34
His latest victories still thickest came,
As near the center motion does increase,
Till he, press'd down by his own weighty name,
Did, like the vestal, under spoils decrease.
35
But first the ocean as a tribute sent
That giant prince of all her watery herd,
And th' isle when her protecting genius went
Upon his obsequies loud sighs conferr'd.
36
No civil broils have since his death arose,
But faction now by habit does obey,
And wars have that respect for his repose,
As winds for halycons when they breed at sea.
37
His ashes in a peaceful urn shall rest;
His name a great example stands to show
How strangely high endeavours may be blest,
Where piety and valour jointly go.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Exciting Literary Criticism and Interpretation of "Heroic Stanzas" by John Dryden
Are you ready to dive into the world of heroic poetry? Do you crave the thrill of epic battles and the glory of heroic deeds? Then "Heroic Stanzas" by John Dryden is the perfect poem for you!
In this 4000 word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the many layers of meaning and beauty in Dryden's classic poem. From the historical context of the poem to its complex use of poetic techniques, we will examine everything that makes "Heroic Stanzas" a masterpiece of English literature.
So buckle up and get ready for a wild ride through the world of Dryden's epic poetry!
Historical Context of "Heroic Stanzas"
Before we dive into the poem itself, let's take a moment to consider the historical context in which "Heroic Stanzas" was written. The poem was composed in 1658, shortly after the death of Oliver Cromwell, who had been the Lord Protector of England during the period of the Commonwealth.
Cromwell's death was a significant event in English history, as it marked the end of the Commonwealth and the beginning of the Restoration period, during which the monarchy was restored and Charles II became king. Dryden was a young man at the time, but he was already a rising star in the literary world, and he saw Cromwell's death as an opportunity to make a name for himself.
In many ways, "Heroic Stanzas" can be seen as a response to the political and social upheaval of the time. The poem is a eulogy for Cromwell, but it is also a celebration of the ideals of the Commonwealth, such as liberty, equality, and justice. By praising Cromwell's virtues and lamenting his death, Dryden is expressing a sense of loss and mourning for a time when England seemed to be on the brink of a new era of greatness.
Structure and Style of "Heroic Stanzas"
Now that we have a sense of the historical context of the poem, let's turn our attention to its structure and style. "Heroic Stanzas" is written in rhyming couplets, which gives it a sense of formality and elegance. The poem consists of 68 lines, divided into 17 stanzas of four lines each.
The overall structure of the poem is quite simple, with each stanza consisting of two rhyming couplets. However, within this basic structure, Dryden employs a number of poetic techniques to create a sense of depth and complexity.
For example, the poem makes use of enjambment, which is the continuation of a sentence or thought from one line to the next. This creates a sense of flow and momentum, as each line leads naturally into the next.
Another technique used in the poem is alliteration, which is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. This helps to create a musical quality to the poem, as well as drawing attention to certain key words and phrases.
Throughout the poem, Dryden also makes use of metaphor and imagery to help convey the themes and emotions of the piece. For example, in the first stanza, he compares Cromwell to a comet:
And now 'tis time; for their officious haste Who would before have borne him to the sky, Like eager Romans, ere all rites were past Did let too soon the sacred eagle fly.
This metaphor helps to convey the sense of Cromwell's greatness and brilliance, as well as suggesting that his death came too soon and too suddenly.
Themes and Interpretations of "Heroic Stanzas"
So, what are the themes and meanings of "Heroic Stanzas"? At its core, the poem is a celebration of heroism and the pursuit of noble ideals. Cromwell is portrayed as a hero who embodied the values of the Commonwealth, such as liberty and justice. Dryden praises Cromwell's virtues, such as his courage, wisdom, and determination, and suggests that these qualities are what made him great.
However, the poem is also a lament for a lost era of greatness. In the aftermath of Cromwell's death, England was plunged into chaos and uncertainty, as the monarchy was restored and many of the gains of the Commonwealth were lost. Dryden seems to be mourning not only Cromwell's death, but also the loss of the ideals and values that he represented.
At the same time, the poem can also be read as a political statement. Dryden was a writer who was deeply involved in the political and social issues of his time, and "Heroic Stanzas" can be seen as a critique of the monarchy and a call for the restoration of the ideals of the Commonwealth. By praising Cromwell and his achievements, Dryden is suggesting that England needs leaders who are committed to the common good, rather than their own self-interest.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Heroic Stanzas" by John Dryden is a masterpiece of English poetry that deserves to be celebrated and studied. The poem is a celebration of heroism and noble ideals, a lament for a lost era of greatness, and a political statement that calls for the restoration of the values of the Commonwealth.
From its use of poetic techniques like enjambment and alliteration to its rich metaphor and imagery, "Heroic Stanzas" is a masterful work of art that rewards careful study and reflection. So if you haven't already, go read the poem for yourself and see if you can discover all of its many layers of meaning and beauty!
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Heroic Stanzas: A Masterpiece of English Literature
John Dryden, one of the greatest poets of the 17th century, wrote Heroic Stanzas in 1658 to commemorate the death of Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector of England. The poem is a masterpiece of English literature and is considered one of the finest elegies ever written. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.
Themes
The central theme of Heroic Stanzas is the death of Cromwell and the impact it had on England. Dryden portrays Cromwell as a hero and a savior who brought peace and prosperity to England. He describes Cromwell as a man of great courage and determination who fought for the rights of the people. The poem is a tribute to Cromwell's achievements and his legacy.
Another theme of the poem is the transience of life. Dryden emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. He reminds us that even the greatest heroes must eventually succumb to death. The poem is a reflection on the fragility of life and the importance of making the most of the time we have.
Structure
Heroic Stanzas is written in heroic couplets, a form of poetry that was popular in the 17th century. Each stanza consists of two rhyming lines of iambic pentameter. The poem is divided into three sections, each with a different tone and focus.
The first section of the poem is a lament for Cromwell's death. Dryden expresses his sorrow and grief at the loss of such a great man. He describes Cromwell as a hero who fought for the people and brought peace to England. The tone of this section is mournful and somber.
The second section of the poem is a celebration of Cromwell's achievements. Dryden praises Cromwell's military victories and his role in establishing a republic in England. He describes Cromwell as a man of great courage and determination who fought for the rights of the people. The tone of this section is triumphant and celebratory.
The third section of the poem is a reflection on the transience of life. Dryden reminds us that even the greatest heroes must eventually succumb to death. He encourages us to make the most of the time we have and to live our lives to the fullest. The tone of this section is philosophical and reflective.
Literary Devices
Dryden employs a variety of literary devices in Heroic Stanzas to create a powerful and moving elegy. One of the most prominent devices he uses is imagery. He uses vivid and evocative imagery to bring Cromwell and his achievements to life. For example, he describes Cromwell as a "giant" who "strode the narrow world like a Colossus." This image conveys Cromwell's strength and power.
Another literary device that Dryden uses is allusion. He alludes to classical mythology and literature to add depth and richness to the poem. For example, he compares Cromwell to the Roman general Julius Caesar, who was also a great military leader and statesman. This comparison elevates Cromwell to the level of a legendary hero.
Dryden also uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and momentum in the poem. He repeats the phrase "he fought" several times throughout the poem to emphasize Cromwell's military prowess and his commitment to the cause of the people. This repetition creates a sense of urgency and intensity in the poem.
Conclusion
Heroic Stanzas is a masterpiece of English literature and a fitting tribute to Oliver Cromwell. Dryden's use of imagery, allusion, and repetition creates a powerful and moving elegy that celebrates Cromwell's achievements and reflects on the transience of life. The poem is a reminder that even the greatest heroes must eventually succumb to death, but their legacy lives on. Heroic Stanzas is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and the human spirit.
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