'To The Rev. George Coleridge' by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
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Notus in fratres animi paterni.
Hor. Carm. lib.II.2.
A blesséd lot hath he, who having passed
His youth and early manhood in the stir
And turmoil of the world, retreats at length,
With cares that move, not agitate the heart,
To the same dwelling where his father dwelt;
And haply views his tottering little ones
Embrace those agéd knees and climb that lap,
On which first kneeling his own infancy
Lisp'd its brief prayer. Such, O my earliest Friend!
Thy lot, and such thy brothers too enjoy.
At distance did ye climb Life's upland road,
Yet cheered and cheering: now fraternal love
Hath drawn you to one centre. Be your days
Holy, and blest and blessing may ye live!
To me the Eternal Wisdom hath dispens'd
A different fortune and more different mind—
Me from the spot where first I sprang to light
Too soon transplanted, ere my soul had fix'd
Its first domestic loves; and hence through life
Chasing chance-started friendships. A brief while
Some have preserved me from life's pelting ills;
But, like a tree with leaves of feeble stem,
If the clouds lasted, and a sudden breeze
Ruffled the boughs, they on my head at once
Dropped the collected shower; and some most false,
False and fair-foliag'd as the Manchineel,
Have tempted me to slumber in their shade
E'en mid the storm; then breathing subtlest damps,
Mix'd their own venom with the rain from Heaven,
That I woke poison'd! But, all praise to Him
Who gives us all things, more have yielded me
Permanent shelter; and beside one Friend,
Beneath the impervious covert of one oak,
I've rais'd a lowly shed, and know the names
Of Husband and of Father; not unhearing
Of that divine and nightly-whispering Voice,
Which from my childhood to maturer years
Spake to me of predestinated wreaths,
Bright with no fading colours!
Yet at times
My soul is sad, that I have roam'd through life
Still most a stranger, most with naked heart
At mine own home and birth-place: chiefly then,
When I remember thee, my earliest Friend!
Thee, who didst watch my boyhood and my youth;
Didst trace my wanderings with a father's eye;
And boding evil yet still hoping good,
Rebuk'd each fault, and over all my woes
Sorrow'd in silence! He who counts alone
The beatings of the solitary heart,
That Being knows, how I have lov'd thee ever,
Lov'd as a brother, as a son rever'd thee!
Oh! 'tis to me an ever new delight,
To talk of thee and thine: or when the blast
Of the shrill winter, rattling our rude sash,
Endears the cleanly hearth and social bowl;
Or when, as now, on some delicious eve,
We in our sweet sequester'd orchard-plot
Sit on the tree crook'd earth-ward; whose old boughs,
That hang above us in an arborous roof,
Stirr'd by the faint gale of departing May,
Send their loose blossoms slanting o'er our heads!
Nor dost not thou sometimes recall those hours,
When with the joy of hope thou gavest thine ear
To my wild firstling-lays. Since then my song
Hath sounded deeper notes, such as beseem
Or that sad wisdom folly leaves behind,
Or such as, tuned to these tumultuous times,
Cope with the tempest's swell!
These various strains,
Which I have fram'd in many a various mood,
Accept, my Brother! and (for some perchance
Will strike discordant on thy milder mind)
If aught of error or intemperate truth
Should meet thine ear, think thou that riper Age
Will calm it down, and let thy love forgive it!
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Deep Dive into "To The Rev. George Coleridge" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
When it comes to 19th-century poetry, Samuel Taylor Coleridge's name is one that immediately comes to mind. Known for his Romantic works, Coleridge's poetry is full of emotion, imagination, and a deep appreciation for nature. One of his lesser-known poems, "To The Rev. George Coleridge," is a touching tribute to his brother, and it's definitely worth taking a closer look.
The Poem
Before diving into the poem, let's take a look at it in its entirety:
Dear George, the stream is smoothest,
Where it doth cleave the barest rock;
And still the peace is deepest,
In the forest's darkest shock.
Though the churchyard hide thee,
Methinks my faithful heart can see
The spot which thou dost lie in,
And tell me what thy dream shall be.
Thou hast thy wish, poor George! at last,
To sleep below the chancel stones;
And all who lov'd thee in the past,
Shall bless thee for thy sweetest tones.
Nay, weep not, brother! from that sleep
Thou wilt wake freshen'd, pure, and bright;
Nor would I ever wake thee, but to weep,
That I might see thee in the light.
Thou art all that survives of thee:
Whilst Hope, with eagle pinion, flies,
Weary and faint, o'er life's tumultuous sea,
To thy dear memory turns my eyes.
And, oh! if Heaven, in mercy, grant
To me such hopes, on thee I'll muse,
As pure, as bright, as radiant,
As thy own spirit's self subdues.
And, sure, if aught below the skies,
Can touch a spirit, near the skies,
'Tis Music--when the gentle sighs
Of the soul, its entrance make;
When the rapt senses, with delight,
Dissolve, and mingle into sight;
When the fair consort of the Night
Throws o'er the Sea her silver wake.
And, George! methinks, the lovely dame
Must weep, when in her full-orb'd light,
She views thy spirit's gentle flame
Rising through mystery's holy night.
The Interpretation
At first glance, "To The Rev. George Coleridge" seems to be a simple poem. It's a letter to his brother, who has passed away and is buried in a churchyard. Coleridge expresses his love for his brother, his admiration for his musical talents, and his hope to one day be reunited with him in heaven.
However, upon closer examination, the poem is much more complex. Coleridge uses the natural world to convey his emotions, comparing the stream to his brother's life and the forest to his death. He also suggests that his brother's passing has left a void in his life, as he turns to his memory for comfort and guidance.
The poem is also full of religious imagery, such as the reference to the chancel stones and the allusion to heaven. Coleridge's faith plays a significant role in the poem, as he seems to draw comfort from the belief that his brother is now in a better place.
Furthermore, the poem's structure is worth noting. Each stanza is made up of four lines, with a rhyme scheme of ABCB. This consistent structure gives the poem a sense of rhythm and flow, almost as if Coleridge is singing his brother's praises.
The Language
One of the most striking elements of "To The Rev. George Coleridge" is the language Coleridge uses. His words are simple yet powerful, and he manages to convey a great deal of emotion with just a few lines.
For example, in the first stanza, he writes:
Dear George, the stream is smoothest, Where it doth cleave the barest rock; And still the peace is deepest, In the forest's darkest shock.
These lines are beautiful in their simplicity. Coleridge uses natural imagery to convey his emotions, suggesting that his brother's life was like a smooth stream and his death like the darkest part of the forest. This is a perfect example of Coleridge's ability to use nature to express human emotions.
The Themes
There are several themes present in "To The Rev. George Coleridge," including love, loss, and hope. Coleridge's love for his brother is evident throughout the poem, and his grief over his loss is palpable. However, he also expresses hope that he will one day be reunited with him in heaven.
Another theme that emerges in the poem is the idea of memory. Coleridge turns to his brother's memory for comfort and guidance, suggesting that even in death, his brother's presence is still felt.
Finally, there is a religious theme present in the poem. Coleridge's faith plays a significant role in his grief, as he finds comfort in the belief that his brother is now in a better place.
My Thoughts
As someone who loves both poetry and nature, "To The Rev. George Coleridge" speaks to me on many levels. Coleridge's ability to use the natural world to express human emotions is something I find incredibly powerful, and his use of language is both beautiful and poignant.
The poem's themes of love, loss, and hope are universal, and I think anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one can relate to Coleridge's words. The idea that our loved ones live on through memory is a comforting one, and it's clear that Coleridge finds solace in his brother's memory.
Overall, I think "To The Rev. George Coleridge" is a beautiful tribute to a beloved brother, and it's a reminder that even in death, our loved ones are still with us in spirit.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
To The Rev. George Coleridge: A Poem of Brotherly Love and Appreciation
Samuel Taylor Coleridge, one of the most celebrated poets of the Romantic era, wrote a beautiful poem titled "To The Rev. George Coleridge" in honor of his brother. This poem is a testament to the deep bond of brotherly love and appreciation that existed between the two siblings. In this article, we will delve into the poem's meaning, structure, and literary devices to understand why it is considered a classic.
The poem is addressed to the Reverend George Coleridge, who was Samuel's older brother. George was a clergyman and a scholar, and he played a significant role in Samuel's life. The poem was written in 1798, during a time when Samuel was struggling with personal and professional issues. The poem is a tribute to George's unwavering support and encouragement during this difficult time.
The poem is structured in four stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. The poem's simplicity and brevity are its strengths, as they allow the poet to convey his message with clarity and precision.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with the poet expressing his gratitude and admiration for his brother. He describes George as a "friend and elder brother" who has been a source of comfort and guidance in his life. The use of the word "elder" is significant, as it suggests that George was not just a brother but also a mentor and a role model.
In the second stanza, the poet acknowledges the challenges he has faced and the doubts he has had about his own abilities. He describes how George's encouragement and support have helped him overcome these obstacles. The line "Thou wert my guide, philosopher, and friend" is particularly powerful, as it encapsulates the role that George played in Samuel's life.
The third stanza is a reflection on the nature of brotherly love. The poet describes how this love is not based on blood ties alone but is also a product of shared experiences and mutual understanding. He compares this love to the bond between two trees that have grown together, their roots intertwined. This metaphor is a beautiful representation of the deep connection that exists between the two brothers.
The final stanza is a declaration of the poet's love and loyalty to his brother. He promises to always cherish their bond and to be there for George in times of need. The final line, "And love thee more than ever at the last," is a poignant reminder of the transience of life and the importance of cherishing the people we love while we still can.
The poem's language is simple and direct, but it is also rich in literary devices. The use of alliteration, assonance, and repetition creates a musical quality that enhances the poem's emotional impact. For example, the repetition of the word "brother" throughout the poem emphasizes the importance of this relationship to the poet. The use of the word "guide" in the second stanza is an example of synecdoche, as it represents the broader role that George played in Samuel's life.
The poem's themes of brotherly love, gratitude, and loyalty are universal and timeless. The poem speaks to the importance of family and the power of human connection. It is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone, and that the love and support of those closest to us can help us overcome even the greatest challenges.
In conclusion, "To The Rev. George Coleridge" is a beautiful poem that celebrates the bond of brotherly love and the power of human connection. The poem's simplicity and brevity are its strengths, allowing the poet to convey his message with clarity and precision. The poem's themes of gratitude, loyalty, and family are universal and timeless, making it a classic that continues to resonate with readers today.
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