'How They Brought The Good News From Ghent To Aix' by Robert Browning

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I sprang to the stirrup, and Joris, and he;
I galloped, Dirck galloped, we galloped all three;
"Good speed!" cried the watch, as the gate-bolts undrew;
"Speed!" echoed the wall to us galloping through;
Behind shut the postern, the lights sank to rest,
And into the midnight we galloped abreast.

Not a word to each other; we kept the great pace
Neck by neck, stride by stride, never changing our place;
I turned in my saddle and made its girths tight,
Then shortened each stirrup, and set the pique right,
Rebuckled the cheek-strap, chained slacker the bit,
Nor galloped less steadily Roland a whit.

'Twas moonset at starting; but while we drew near
Lokeren, the cocks crew and twilight dawned clear;
At Boom, a great yellow star came out to see;
At Duffeld, 'twas morning as plain as could be;
And from Mecheln church-steeple we heard the half-chime,
So Joris broke silence with, "Yet there is time!"

At Aerschot, up leaped of a sudden the sun,
And against him the cattle stood black every one,
To stare through the mist at us galloping past,
And I saw my stout galloper Roland at last,
With resolute shoulders, each butting away
The haze, as some bluff river headland its spray:

And his low head and crest, just one sharp ear bent back
For my voice, and the other pricked out on his track;
And one eye's black intelligence,—ever that glance
O'er its white edge at me, his own master, askance!
And the thick heavy spume-flakes which aye and anon
His fierce lips shook upwards in galloping on.

By Hasselt, Dirck groaned; and cried Joris, "Stay spur!
Your Roos galloped bravely, the fault's not in her,
We'll remember at Aix"—for one heard the quick wheeze
Of her chest, saw the stretched neck and staggering knees,
And sunk tail, and horrible heave of the flank,
As down on her haunches she shuddered and sank.

So, we were left galloping, Joris and I,
Past Looz and past Tongres, no cloud in the sky;
The broad sun above laughed a pitiless laugh,
'Neath our feet broke the brittle bright stubble like chaff;
Till over by Dalhem a dome-spire sprang white,
And "Gallop," gasped Joris, "for Aix is in sight!"

"How they'll greet us!"—and all in a moment his roan
Rolled neck and croup over, lay dead as a stone;
And there was my Roland to bear the whole weight
Of the news which alone could save Aix from her fate,
With his nostrils like pits full of blood to the brim,
And with circles of red for his eye-socket's rim.

Then I cast loose my buffcoat, each holster let fall,
Shook off both my jack-boots, let go belt and all,
Stood up in the stirrup, leaned, patted his ear,
Called my Roland his pet-name, my horse without peer;
Clapped my hands, laughed and sang, any noise, bad or good,
Till at length into Aix Roland galloped and stood.

And all I remember is—friends flocking round
As I sat with his head 'twixt my knees on the ground;
And no voice but was praising this Roland of mine,
As I poured down his throat our last measure of wine,
Which (the burgesses voted by common consent)
Was no more than his due who brought good news from Ghent.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Epic Journey of How They Brought The Good News From Ghent To Aix

By an enthusiastic writer

What does it take to deliver good news? How far are you willing to go to share a message of hope and victory? In Robert Browning's classic poem, How They Brought The Good News From Ghent To Aix, we are taken on an epic journey of three brave men who risk everything to bring a message of triumph from one city to another. This poem is not just a thrilling adventure but also a testament to the power of human will and courage.

The poem starts with a sense of urgency and excitement as the three riders gather together in the dead of night. There is no time to waste as they need to reach Aix as soon as possible. The first stanza sets the tone for the entire poem and draws the reader into the story. We are immediately captivated by the urgency of the situation and wonder what message these men are carrying.

The second stanza is where the adventure begins. The three men ride their horses with great speed and determination as they make their way through the dark and eerie forest. Browning's use of imagery is exceptional here, as he describes the forest in great detail, making the reader feel as if they are also riding alongside the men. The use of the word "glooming" creates a sense of foreboding and danger, adding to the tension of the poem.

As the riders journey through the forest, they come across various obstacles that threaten to impede their progress. However, they do not falter, and their resolve only strengthens. They ride through the night, pushing themselves and their horses to the limit. The third stanza is particularly powerful, as it shows the riders' determination to succeed against all odds. The repetition of the phrase "galloping, galloping" creates a sense of urgency and excitement, and we cannot help but feel exhilarated by the riders' courage.

As the men finally emerge from the forest, they are greeted by the sight of the countryside bathed in the glow of the rising sun. This moment of respite is short-lived, as they soon encounter a river that threatens to halt their progress. However, they find a way to cross the river, and their journey continues. This moment highlights the resourcefulness of the riders and their ability to adapt to unexpected challenges.

The next few stanzas describe the riders' journey through various towns and cities as they make their way towards Aix. The descriptions of the different places are vivid and detailed, making us feel as if we are also traveling with the men. The use of alliteration in "Mirabeau bridge" and "Marseilles' good bishop" adds to the musicality of the poem and makes it all the more enjoyable to read.

The final stanza is where the true message of the poem is revealed. The riders have finally reached Aix, and they have brought the good news that the city of Ghent has been saved. The people of Aix are overjoyed and celebrate the news with great fervor. The poem ends on a triumphant note, with the riders having accomplished their mission against all odds.

In conclusion, How They Brought The Good News From Ghent To Aix is a classic poem that showcases the power of human will and courage. Browning's use of imagery, alliteration, and repetition create a sense of urgency and excitement, drawing the reader into the story. The poem is a thrilling adventure that takes us on a journey through different landscapes and cities, making us feel as if we are also traveling with the men. At its core, the poem is a testament to the importance of good news and the sacrifices people are willing to make to share it. It is a timeless message that resonates with us even today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

How They Brought The Good News From Ghent To Aix: A Masterpiece of Narrative Poetry

Robert Browning's "How They Brought The Good News From Ghent To Aix" is a classic narrative poem that tells the story of three horsemen who ride through the night to deliver an urgent message to the Duke of Aix. The poem is a masterpiece of storytelling, combining vivid imagery, suspenseful pacing, and a powerful sense of urgency. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in the poem, and examine how they contribute to its enduring appeal.

The poem opens with a sense of urgency, as the speaker describes the three horsemen setting out from Ghent on their mission:

"I sprang to the stirrup, and Joris, and he; I galloped, Dirck galloped, we galloped all three."

The use of repetition here creates a sense of urgency and momentum, as the three riders set out on their journey. The poem is written in rhyming couplets, which gives it a musical quality and helps to maintain the pace and rhythm of the narrative.

As the riders journey through the night, they encounter a series of obstacles and challenges, which add to the suspense and drama of the poem. They cross rivers, climb hills, and battle against the elements, all the while pushing themselves and their horses to the limit. The poem is full of vivid descriptions of the landscape and the riders' experiences, which create a powerful sense of atmosphere and tension.

One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of dialogue. The riders speak to each other throughout the journey, and their conversations reveal their personalities and motivations. Joris, the leader of the group, is determined and focused, while Dirck is more cautious and concerned about the risks they are taking. The third rider, unnamed in the poem, is more of a mystery, but his presence adds to the sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among the group.

The climax of the poem comes when the riders finally reach their destination, the city of Aix. Here, they deliver their message to the Duke, and the poem ends with a sense of triumph and relief:

"And all I remember is, friends flocking round As I sat with his head 'twixt my knees on the ground; And no voice but was praising this Roland of mine, As I poured down his throat our last measure of wine."

The use of the name "Roland" here is significant, as it refers to the legendary hero of French literature who died fighting against the Moors. This allusion adds to the sense of heroism and bravery that the riders have displayed throughout the poem, and reinforces the idea that they have accomplished something truly remarkable.

One of the key themes of the poem is the idea of duty and sacrifice. The riders are willing to risk their lives and their horses' lives in order to deliver their message, and their sense of duty and loyalty to their cause is what drives them forward. This theme is reinforced by the use of military imagery throughout the poem, such as the reference to "the trumpeter's clanger" and the description of the riders as "three swords at the breast."

Another important theme is the idea of camaraderie and shared purpose. The riders are not just individuals on a mission, but a team working together towards a common goal. Their conversations and interactions with each other reveal a sense of trust and mutual respect, which helps to create a sense of unity and purpose among the group.

The poem also makes use of a number of literary devices, such as alliteration, repetition, and metaphor. For example, the repeated use of the word "galloped" creates a sense of urgency and momentum, while the metaphor of the riders as "three swords at the breast" reinforces the idea of their bravery and determination.

In conclusion, "How They Brought The Good News From Ghent To Aix" is a masterful example of narrative poetry, combining vivid imagery, suspenseful pacing, and a powerful sense of urgency. The poem explores themes of duty, sacrifice, camaraderie, and heroism, and makes use of a range of literary devices to create a rich and engaging narrative. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to transport the reader to another time and place, and to evoke a sense of adventure and excitement that is timeless and universal.

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