'Inscription For A Fountain On A Heath' by Samuel Taylor Coleridge


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This Sycamore, oft musical with bees,--
Such tents the Patriarchs loved ! O long unharmed
May all its agéd boughs o'er-canopy
The small round basin, which this jutting stone
Keeps pure from falling leaves ! Long may the Spring,
Quietly as a sleeping infant's breath,
Send up cold waters to the traveller
With soft and even pulse ! Nor ever cease
Yon tiny cone of sand its soundless dance,
Which at the bottom, like a Fairy's Page,
As merry and no taller, dances still,
Nor wrinkles the smooth surface of the Fount.
Here Twilight is and Coolness : here is moss,
A soft seat, and a deep and ample shade.
Thou may'st toil far and find no second tree.
Drink, Pilgrim, here ; Here rest ! and if thy heart
Be innocent, here too shalt thou refresh
Thy spirit, listening to some gentle sound,
Or passing gale or hum of murmuring bees !

Editor 1 Interpretation

Inscription For A Fountain On A Heath: Coleridge's Ode to Nature

Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "Inscription For A Fountain On A Heath" is a remarkable piece of poetry that captures the essence of nature in its purest form. This ode to nature is a celebration of the beauty and power of the natural world, and a reflection on the role that nature plays in our lives.

From the opening lines of the poem, it is clear that Coleridge is deeply connected to the natural world. The poem begins with the speaker describing a fountain situated on a heath, surrounded by the sounds of nature. The speaker describes the fountain as a symbol of life and renewal, as it provides water to the animals and plants that inhabit the heath.

The first stanza of the poem is particularly striking, as it sets the tone for the rest of the work. The speaker describes the fountain as "the thirst-quenching rill" that "flows silently and still". The use of alliteration and assonance in these lines creates a sense of musicality and rhythm that is reminiscent of the natural world. The repetition of the "s" and "l" sounds also mimics the sound of water flowing, creating a sense of movement and fluidity.

As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the power of nature to inspire and uplift the human spirit. The speaker suggests that the beauty of the natural world has the power to "teach us many a holy truth". Here, Coleridge is suggesting that nature can be a source of spiritual guidance and enlightenment, and that by immersing ourselves in the natural world, we can connect with something greater than ourselves.

The second stanza of the poem is particularly poignant, as it reflects on the fleeting nature of human existence in contrast to the eternal beauty of nature. The speaker suggests that while human life is fleeting, the natural world endures forever. The lines "the tree that falls with age decays / And sinks into the earth again; / While from its roots fresh branches raise, / And spread anew the verdant plain" are a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of life and death, and the way in which the natural world is constantly renewing itself.

Throughout the poem, Coleridge uses a variety of poetic techniques to convey the beauty and power of nature. The use of vivid imagery, such as "the sky's blue arch" and "the purple heath's unbounded blossom", creates a sense of the richness and diversity of the natural world. The use of personification, such as "the whispering breeze" and "the roaring blast", gives nature a sense of agency and power that is both awe-inspiring and humbling.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem, however, is the way in which Coleridge uses language to create a sense of harmony and unity between human beings and the natural world. The lines "For man may come and man may go, / But I go on forever" are a powerful reminder of the way in which nature is a constant presence in our lives, and of the way in which we are all interconnected with the natural world.

In conclusion, Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "Inscription For A Fountain On A Heath" is a remarkable poem that celebrates the beauty and power of the natural world. Through vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and poetic language, Coleridge creates a sense of harmony and unity between human beings and the natural world, reminding us of our place in the grand scheme of things. This ode to nature is a timeless work of literature that continues to inspire and uplift readers to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Inscription For A Fountain On A Heath: A Masterpiece by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Samuel Taylor Coleridge, one of the greatest poets of the Romantic era, is known for his profound and imaginative works that continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. Among his many masterpieces, Poetry Inscription For A Fountain On A Heath stands out as a remarkable piece of poetry that showcases Coleridge's unique style and poetic vision.

Written in 1795, Poetry Inscription For A Fountain On A Heath is a short but powerful poem that celebrates the beauty and power of nature. The poem is an inscription that Coleridge imagined for a fountain on a heath, and it captures the essence of the natural world in a few simple yet evocative lines.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing the fountain, which is described as a "pure rill" that flows "from the heart of the mountain." The fountain is personified as a living entity, with its "voice" and "breath" echoing through the heath. This personification creates a sense of intimacy and connection between the speaker and the fountain, as if they are both part of the same natural world.

The second stanza of the poem expands on this theme of interconnectedness, as the speaker describes how the fountain's "waters" are "mingled" with the "rivers" and "oceans" of the world. This image of the fountain as a small but integral part of the larger natural world is a recurring theme in Coleridge's poetry, and it reflects his belief in the unity and interconnectedness of all things.

The third stanza of the poem takes a more philosophical turn, as the speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of human life. The speaker notes that while the fountain will continue to flow "for ages yet to be," human life is "but a fading dawn." This contrast between the eternal nature of the natural world and the transience of human life is a common theme in Romantic poetry, and it reflects Coleridge's belief in the importance of nature as a source of solace and inspiration in a world that is often chaotic and uncertain.

The final stanza of the poem returns to the theme of interconnectedness, as the speaker imagines the fountain as a source of inspiration for future generations. The speaker notes that the fountain's "voice" will continue to be heard "when we are laid asleep," and that it will inspire future generations to "love the simple things we loved." This image of the fountain as a timeless source of inspiration and connection is a powerful one, and it reflects Coleridge's belief in the enduring power of nature to inspire and uplift the human spirit.

Overall, Poetry Inscription For A Fountain On A Heath is a masterful piece of poetry that captures the essence of Coleridge's poetic vision. Through its evocative imagery, powerful personification, and profound themes of interconnectedness and the enduring power of nature, the poem speaks to readers across the ages and continues to inspire and captivate to this day.

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