'Lay of St. Odille, The' by Richard Harris Barham

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Odille was a maid of a dignified race;
Her father, Count Otto, was lord of Alsace;
Such an air, such a grace,
Such a form, such a face,
All agreed 'twere a fruitless endeavour to trace
In the Court, or within fifty miles of the place.
Many ladies in Strasburg were beautiful, still
They were beat all to sticks by the lovely Odille.

But Odille was devout, and, before she was nine,
Had 'experienced a call' she consider'd divine,
To put on the veil at St. Ermengarde's shrine.--
Lords, Dukes, and Electors, and Counts Palatine
Came to seek her in marriage from both sides the Rhine;
But vain their design,
They are all left to pine,
Their oglings and smiles are all useless; in fine,
Not one of these gentlefolks, try as they will,
Can draw 'Ask my papa' from the cruel Odille.

At length one of her suitors, a certain Count Herman,
A highly respectable man as a German,
Who smoked like a chimney, and drank like a merman,
Paid his court to her father, conceiving his firman
Would soon make her bend,
And induce her to lend
An ear to a love-tale in lieu of a sermon.
He gained the old Count, who said, 'Come, Mynheer, fill!--
Here's luck to yourself and my daughter Odille!'

The lady Odille was quite nervous with fear
When a little bird whisper'd that toast in her ear;
She murmur'd 'Oh, dear!
My papa has got queer,
I am sadly afraid, with that nasty strong beer!
He's so very austere, and severe, that it's clear
If he gets in his 'tantrums,' I can't remain here;
But St. Ermengarde's convent is luckily near;
It were folly to stay,
Pour prendre congé,
I shall put on my bonnet, and e'en run away!'
-- She unlock'd the back door, and descended the hill,
On whose crest stood the towers of the sire of Odille.

When he found she'd levanted, the Count of Alsace
At first turn'd remarkably red in the face;
He anathematized, with much unction and grace,
Every soul who came near, and consign'd the whole race
Of runaway girls to a very warm place.
With a frightful grimace
He gave orders for chase.
His vassals set off at a deuce of a pace,
And of all whom they met, high or low, Jack or Jill,
Ask'd, 'Pray, have you seen anything of Odille?'--

Now I think I've been told,-- for I'm no sporting man,--
That the 'knowing-ones' call this by far the best plan,
'Take the lead and then keep it!'-- that is if you can.--
Odille thought so too, so she set off and ran;
Put her best leg before,
Starting at score,
As I said some lines since, from that little back door,
And not being missed until half after four,
Had what hunters call 'law' for a good hour and more;
Doing her best,
Without stopping to rest,
Like 'young Lochinvar who came out of the West,'
''Tis done! I am gone!-- over briar, brook, and rill!
They'll be sharp lads who catch me!' said young Miss Odille.

But you've all read in Æsop, or Phædrus, or Gay,
How a tortoise and hare ran together one day,
How the hare, 'making play,
Progress'd right slick away,'
As 'them tarnation chaps' the Americans say;
While the tortoise, whose figure is rather outré
For racing, crawled straight on, without let or stay,
Having no post-horse duty or turnpikes to pay,
Till ere noon's ruddy ray
Changed to eve's sober grey,
Though her form and obesity caused some delay,
Perseverance and patience brought up her lee-way,
And she chased her fleet-footed 'praycursor,' until
She o'ertook her at last;-- so it fared with Odille.

For although, as I said, she ran gaily at first,
And show'd no inclination to pause, if she durst;
She at length felt opprest with the heat, and with thirst
Its usual attendant; nor was that the worst,
Her shoes went down at heel;-- at last one of them burst.
Now a gentleman smiles
At a trot of ten miles;
But not so the Fair; then consider the stiles,
And as then ladies seldom wore things with a frill
Round the ancle, these stiles sadly bother'd Odille.

Still, despite all the obstacles placed in her track,
She kept steadily on, though the terrible crack
In her shoe made of course her progression more slack,
Till she reached the Swartz Forest (in English The Black);
I cannot divine
How the boundary line
Was passed which is somewhere there formed by the Rhine.
Perhaps she'd the knack
To float o'er on her back.
Or perhaps crossed the old bridge of boats at Brisach,
(Which Vauban some years after secured from attack,
By a bastion of stone which the Germans call 'Wacke,')
All I know is she took not so much as a snack,
Till hungry and worn, feeling wretchedly ill,
On a mountain's brow sank down the weary Odille.

I said on its 'brow,' but I should have said 'crown,'
For 'twas quite on the summit, bleak, barren, and brown,
And so high that 'twas frightful indeed to look down
Upon Friburg, a place of some little renown,
That lay at its foot; but imagine the frown
That contracted her brow, when full many a clown
She perceived coming up from that horrid post-town.
They had followed her trail,
And now thought without fail,
As little boys say, to 'lay salt on her tail;'
While the Count, who knew no other law but his will,
Swore that Herman that evening should marry Odille.

Alas, for Odille; poor dear! what could she do?
Her father's retainers now had her in view,
As she found from their raising a joyous halloo;
While the Count, riding on at the head of his crew,
In their snuff-coloured doublets and breeches of blue,
Was huzzaing and urging them on to pursue.--
What, indeed, could she do?
She very well knew
If they caught her how much she should have to go through;
But then -- she'd so shocking a hole in her shoe!
And to go further on was impossible;-- true
She might jump o'er the precipice; still there are few
In her place who could manage their courage to screw
Up to bidding the world such a sudden adieu:
Alack! how she envied the birds as they flew;
No Nassau balloon with its wicker canoe
Came to bear her from him she loathed worse than a Jew;
So she fell on her knees in a terrible stew,
Crying 'Holy St. Ermengarde!
Oh, from these vermin guard
Her whose last hope rests entirely on you!
Don't let papa catch me, dear Saint!-- rather kill
At once, sur le champ, your devoted Odille!'

Its delightful to see those who strive to oppress
Get baulk'd when they think themselves sure of success.
The Saint came to the rescue! I fairly confess
I don't see, as a Saint, how she well could do less
Than to get such a votary out of her mess.
Odille had scarce closed her pathetic address
When the rock, gaping wide as the Thames at Sheerness,
Closed again, and secured her within its recess,
In a natural grotto,
Which puzzled Count Otto,
Who could not conceive where the deuce she had got to.
'Twas her voice!-- but 'twas Vox et præterea Nil!
Nor could any one guess what was gone with Odille.

Then burst from the mountain a splendour that quite
Eclipsed in its brilliance the finest Bude light,
And there stood St. Ermengarde drest all in white,
A palm-branch in her left hand, her beads in her right;
While with faces fresh gilt, and with wings burnish'd bright,
A great many little boys' heads took their flight
Above and around to a very great height,
And seem'd pretty lively considering their plight,
Since every one saw,
With amazement and awe,
They could never sit down, for they hadn't de quoi.
All at the sight,
From the knave to the knight,
Felt a very unpleasant sensation called fright;
While the Saint, looking down,
With a terrible frown,
Said, 'My Lords you are done most remarkably brown!--
I am really ashamed of you both; my nerves thrill
At your scandalous conduct to poor dear Odille!

Come, make yourselves scarce! it is useless to stay,
You will gain nothing here by a longer delay.
'Quick! Presto! Begone!' as the conjurors say;
For as to the lady, I've stow'd her away
In this hill, in a stratum of London blue clay;
And I shan't, I assure you, restore her to day
Till you faithfully promise no more to say Nay,
But declare, 'If she will be a nun, why she may.'
For this you've my word, and I never yet broke it,
So put that in your pipe, my Lord Otto, and smoke it!--
One hint to your vassals,-- a month at 'the Mill'
Shall be nuts to what they'll get who worry Odille!'

The Saint disappear'd as she ended, and so
Did the little boys' heads, which, above and below,
As I told you a very few stanzas ago,
Had been flying about her, and jumping Jem Crow;
Though, without any body, or leg, foot, or toe,
How they managed such antics, I really don't know;
Be that as it may, they all 'melted like snow
Off a dyke,' as the Scotch say in sweet Edinbro'.
And there stood the Count,
With his men on the mount,
Just like 'twenty-four jackasses all on a row.'
What was best to be done?--' twas a sad bitter pill;
But gulp it he must, or else lose his Odille.

The lord of Alsace therefore alter'd his plan,
And said to himself, like a sensible man,
'I can't do as I would,-- I must do as I can;'
It will not do to lie under any Saint's ban,
For your hide, when you do, they all manage to tan;
So Count Herman must pick up some Betsey or Nan,
Instead of my girl,-- some Sue, Polly, or Fan;--
If he can't get the corn he must do with the bran,
And make shift with the pot if he can't have the pan.
After words such as these
He went down on his knees,
And said, 'Blessed St. Ermengarde, just as you please--
They shall build a new convent,-- I'll pay the whole bill,
(Taking discount,)-- its Abbess shall be my Odille!'

There are some of my readers, I'll venture to say,
Who have never seen Friburg, though some of them may,
And others 'tis likely may go there some day.
Now if ever you happen to travel that way
I do beg and pray,--' twill your pains well repay,--
That you'll take what the Cockney folks call a 'po-shay,'
(Though in Germany these things are more like a dray);
You may reach this same hill with a single relay,--
And do look how the rock,
Through the whole of its block,
Is split open as though by some violent shock
From an earthquake, or lightning, or horrid hard knock
From the club-bearing fist of some jolly old cock
Of a Germanized giant, Thor, Woden, or Lok;
And see how it rears
Its two monstrous great ears,
For when once you're between them such each side appears;
And list to the sound of the water one hears
Drip, drip from the fissures, like rain-drops or tears:
-- Odille's, I believe,-- which have flow'd all these years;
-- I think they account for them so;-- but the rill
I'm sure is connected some way with Odille.


Moral.

Now then for a moral, which always arrives
At the end, like the honey bees take to their hives,
And the more one observes it the better one thrives.--
We have all heard it said in the course of our lives
'Needs must when a certain old gentleman drives,'
'Tis the same with a lady,-- if once she contrives
To get hold of the ribands, how vainly one strives
To escape from her lash, or to shake off her gyves.
Then let's act like Count Otto, and while one survives
Succumb to our She-Saints -- videlicet wives.
(Aside.)
That is if one has not a 'good bunch of fives.'--
(I can't think how that last line escaped from my quill,
For I am sure it has nothing to do with Odille.)
Now young ladies to you!--
Don't put on the shrew!
And don't be surprised if your father looks blue
When you're pert, and won't act as he wants you to do!
Be sure that you never elope;-- there are few,--
Believe me you'll find what I say to be true,--
Who run restive, but find as they bake they must brew,
And come off at the last with 'a hole in their shoe;'
Since not even Clapham, that sanctified ville,
Can produce enough Saints to save every Odille.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Lay of St. Odille: A Masterpiece of Romantic Poetry

Richard Harris Barham's "The Lay of St. Odille" is a lyrical tour de force that captures the essence of romance, adventure, and spirituality. This epic poem, first published in 1845, tells the story of a young maiden who defies her father's wishes and becomes a nun, only to discover her true calling as a healer and spiritual guide.

At its heart, "The Lay of St. Odille" is a celebration of the human spirit and its quest for meaning and purpose. It is a tribute to the power of faith and the transformative potential of love. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, characters, and literary devices that make this poem a timeless masterpiece.

The Themes of "The Lay of St. Odille"

One of the central themes of this poem is the tension between duty and desire. St. Odille's father wants her to marry and have children, but she feels a calling to a higher purpose. Her decision to become a nun is a rebellion against her father's wishes, but it is also a fulfillment of her own desires. This conflict between loyalty to one's family and one's own sense of purpose is a common theme in literature, but Barham handles it with grace and sensitivity.

Another important theme in this poem is the power of love to transform us. St. Odille's love for God and for her fellow human beings gives her the strength to overcome the obstacles in her path. Her selflessness and compassion inspire those around her and ultimately lead to her canonization. Barham portrays love as a force that can transcend even death, as St. Odille's spirit continues to guide and comfort those who seek her help.

Finally, "The Lay of St. Odille" is a meditation on the nature of spirituality and the search for meaning. St. Odille's journey from obedient daughter to devoted nun to miracle worker is a quest for a deeper understanding of the divine. Her struggles and triumphs speak to our own yearning for purpose and connection. Barham's poem is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit to seek out the sacred and to find hope in the darkest of places.

The Characters of "The Lay of St. Odille"

St. Odille is, of course, the central character of this poem. She is a complex and compelling figure, torn between her duty to her father and her love for God. Her transformation from obedient daughter to saintly healer is a testament to her strength of character and her devotion to her faith. Her selflessness and compassion inspire those around her and make her a beloved figure in the community.

St. Odille's father is another interesting character in this poem. He is a stern and inflexible man, determined to have his way even if it means denying his daughter her true calling. His relationship with St. Odille is one of the most poignant elements of the poem, as he comes to realize the depth of her commitment to her faith and her desire to serve others.

The other characters in "The Lay of St. Odille" are mostly minor figures, but they serve to flesh out the world of the poem and give us a sense of the community in which St. Odille lives. They include the nuns who become St. Odille's sisters in the convent, the peasants who come to her for healing, and the priest who recognizes her spiritual gifts.

The Literary Devices of "The Lay of St. Odille"

Barham's use of language and literary devices is one of the most striking features of this poem. He employs a variety of techniques to create a rich and evocative tapestry of words that captures the imagination and stirs the soul.

One of the most powerful literary devices Barham uses is imagery. His descriptions of nature, such as the "dove-grey mist" that shrouds the hills, the "dusky veil" of the forest, and the "graceful pines" that tower above the landscape, create a vivid sense of place and mood. He also uses images of light and darkness to suggest the spiritual journey of the characters. For example, when St. Odille is first introduced, she is described as being "within the shadow of the cross," a symbol of her spiritual awakening.

Barham's use of symbolism is also noteworthy. The cross, as mentioned above, is a powerful symbol of St. Odille's faith and her commitment to serving others. The dove, which appears several times throughout the poem, symbolizes peace and the Holy Spirit. The lily, which St. Odille carries in her hand, is a symbol of purity and devotion.

Another literary device Barham employs to great effect is repetition. Throughout the poem, certain phrases and images are repeated, creating a sense of rhythm and continuity. For example, the phrase "St. Odille, the holy maid" is repeated several times, emphasizing her spiritual significance. The phrase "her eyes grew bright" is also repeated, suggesting the growing intensity of her spiritual experiences.

Finally, Barham's use of rhyme and meter is masterful. His use of rhyme creates a musical quality to the poem, while his careful attention to meter gives it a sense of movement and energy. The poem is written in a ballad form, with a steady beat and a clear structure that reinforces the narrative arc of the story.

Conclusion

"The Lay of St. Odille" is a masterpiece of romantic poetry that speaks to our deepest yearnings for meaning, purpose, and connection. Barham's use of language, imagery, symbolism, and literary devices creates a rich and evocative world that captures the imagination and stirs the soul. The poem's themes of duty, desire, love, and spirituality are timeless, and its characters are complex and compelling. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of literature to inspire, uplift, and transform us.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Lay of St. Odille is a classic poem written by Richard Harris Barham, a renowned English author and cleric. This poem is a beautiful piece of literature that tells the story of St. Odille, a young girl who was born blind but was miraculously healed by St. Erhard, a bishop who visited her family's castle. The poem is a masterpiece of storytelling, and it is a testament to Barham's skill as a writer.

The Lay of St. Odille is a long poem that is divided into several parts. The first part of the poem introduces us to St. Odille and her family. We learn that St. Odille was born blind, and her family is ashamed of her. They keep her hidden away from the world, and they are afraid that she will bring shame to their family. However, St. Odille is a kind and gentle soul, and she spends her days praying and helping others.

The second part of the poem introduces us to St. Erhard, a bishop who is traveling through the countryside. St. Erhard is a kind and compassionate man, and he is loved by all who meet him. When he arrives at St. Odille's castle, he is welcomed by her family, but they do not allow him to see St. Odille. However, St. Erhard is determined to meet St. Odille, and he prays to God for her healing.

In the third part of the poem, we see the miracle of St. Odille's healing. St. Erhard is visited by an angel who tells him that St. Odille's blindness is a punishment for her family's sins. The angel tells St. Erhard that if he baptizes St. Odille, she will be healed. St. Erhard does as he is told, and St. Odille's sight is restored. Her family is amazed and overjoyed, and they welcome her back into their lives.

The fourth part of the poem tells the story of St. Odille's life after her healing. She becomes a nun and dedicates her life to serving God. She is known for her kindness and her ability to heal the sick. She becomes a beloved figure in her community, and people come from far and wide to seek her help.

The Lay of St. Odille is a beautiful poem that is full of symbolism and meaning. The poem is a testament to the power of faith and the importance of kindness and compassion. St. Odille is a symbol of hope and healing, and her story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way that Barham portrays St. Odille's blindness. He uses her blindness as a metaphor for the spiritual blindness that can afflict us all. St. Odille's family is blind to her true worth and her potential, just as we can be blind to the goodness and potential in others. St. Erhard's healing of St. Odille's blindness is a symbol of the power of faith to heal our spiritual blindness and to open our eyes to the beauty and goodness in the world.

Another important theme in the poem is the importance of forgiveness. St. Odille's family is ashamed of her and they keep her hidden away from the world. However, when she is healed, they welcome her back into their lives with open arms. This is a powerful symbol of the power of forgiveness to heal wounds and to bring people together.

The Lay of St. Odille is also a beautiful tribute to the power of prayer. St. Erhard's prayer for St. Odille's healing is answered, and her sight is restored. This is a powerful reminder that prayer can be a powerful tool for healing and for bringing about positive change in the world.

In conclusion, The Lay of St. Odille is a beautiful poem that is full of symbolism and meaning. It is a testament to the power of faith, forgiveness, and prayer, and it is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. Barham's skill as a writer is evident in the way that he weaves together these themes to create a powerful and moving story. The Lay of St. Odille is a classic poem that deserves to be read and appreciated by generations to come.

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