'Last Ride Together, The' by Robert Browning
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
I.
I said---Then, dearest, since 'tis so,
Since now at length my fate I know,
Since nothing all my love avails,
Since all, my life seemed meant for, fails,
Since this was written and needs must be---
My whole heart rises up to bless
Your name in pride and thankfulness!
Take back the hope you gave,---I claim
---Only a memory of the same,
---And this beside, if you will not blame,
Your leave for one more last ride with me.
II.
My mistress bent that brow of hers;
Those deep dark eyes where pride demurs
When pity would be softening through,
Fixed me, a breathing-while or two,
With life or death in the balance: right!
The blood replenished me again;
My last thought was at least not vain:
I and my mistress, side by side
Shall be together, breathe and ride,
So, one day more am I deified.
Who knows but the world may end tonight?
III.
Hush! if you saw some western cloud
All billowy-bosomed, over-bowed
By many benedictions---sun's
And moon's and evening-star's at once---
And so, you, looking and loving best,
Conscious grew, your passion drew
Cloud, sunset, moonrise, star-shine too,
Down on you, near and yet more near,
Till flesh must fade for heaven was here!---
Thus leant she and lingered---joy and fear!
Thus lay she a moment on my breast.
IV.
Then we began to ride. My soul
Smoothed itself out, a long-cramped scroll
Freshening and fluttering in the wind.
Past hopes already lay behind.
What need to strive with a life awry?
Had I said that, had I done this,
So might I gain, so might I miss.
Might she have loved me? just as well
She might have hated, who can tell!
Where had I been now if the worst befell?
And here we are riding, she and I.
V.
Fail I alone, in words and deeds?
Why, all men strive and who succeeds?
We rode; it seemed my spirit flew,
Saw other regions, cities new,
As the world rushed by on either side.
I thought,---All labour, yet no less
Bear up beneath their unsuccess.
Look at the end of work, contrast
The petty done, the undone vast,
This present of theirs with the hopeful past!
I hoped she would love me; here we ride.
VI.
What hand and brain went ever paired?
What heart alike conceived and dared?
What act proved all its thought had been?
What will but felt the fleshly screen?
We ride and I see her bosom heave.
There's many a crown for who can reach,
Ten lines, a statesman's life in each!
The flag stuck on a heap of bones,
A soldier's doing! what atones?
They scratch his name on the Abbey-stones.
My riding is better, by their leave.
VII.
What does it all mean, poet? Well,
Your brains beat into rhythm, you tell
What we felt only; you expressed
You hold things beautiful the best,
And pace them in rhyme so, side by side.
'Tis something, nay 'tis much: but then,
Have you yourself what's best for men?
Are you---poor, sick, old ere your time---
Nearer one whit your own sublime
Than we who never have turned a rhyme?
Sing, riding's a joy! For me, I ride.
VIII.
And you, great sculptor---so, you gave
A score of years to Art, her slave,
And that's your Venus, whence we turn
To yonder girl that fords the burn!
You acquiesce, and shall I repine?
What, man of music, you grown grey
With notes and nothing else to say,
Is this your sole praise from a friend,
``Greatly his opera's strains intend,
``Put in music we know how fashions end!''
I gave my youth; but we ride, in fine.
IX.
Who knows what's fit for us? Had fate
Proposed bliss here should sublimate
My being---had I signed the bond---
Still one must lead some life beyond,
Have a bliss to die with, dim-descried.
This foot once planted on the goal,
This glory-garland round my soul,
Could I descry such? Try and test!
I sink back shuddering from the quest.
Earth being so good, would heaven seem best?
Now, heaven and she are beyond this ride.
X.
And yet---she has not spoke so long!
What if heaven be that, fair and strong
At life's best, with our eyes upturned
Whither life's flower is first discerned,
We, fixed so, ever should so abide?
What if we still ride on, we two
With life for ever old yet new,
Changed not in kind but in degree,
The instant made eternity,---
And heaven just prove that I and she
Ride, ride together, for ever ride?
Editor 1 Interpretation
Last Ride Together: A Masterpiece of Victorian Poetry
Oh, what a delightful poem! Robert Browning's Last Ride Together is a masterpiece of Victorian poetry that captures the essence of love, passion, and human emotions in a way that is both poignant and profound.
In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve deep into the themes, literary devices, and historical context of this magnificent poem, and explore its relevance and significance in the modern world.
The Poem
First published in 1855 as part of the collection Men and Women, Last Ride Together is a dramatic monologue that tells the story of a rejected lover's last ride with his beloved, who has agreed to accompany him for one final time before marrying another man.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which represents a different phase of the narrator's emotional journey. In the first stanza, he expresses his despair and resignation at the loss of his beloved, accepting that he will never have her for himself:
I said - Then, dearest, since 'tis so, Since now at length my fate I know, Since nothing all my love avails, Since all, my life seem'd meant for, fails, Since this was written and needs must be - My whole heart rises up to bless Your name in pride and thankfulness! Take back the hope you gave, - I claim Only a memory of the same,
- And this beside, if you will not blame, Your leave for one more last ride with me.
In the second stanza, however, the narrator's mood shifts from despair to hope, as his beloved agrees to ride with him and he begins to imagine a future in which they may still be together:
Since I am call'd by that new name Of hope, - of joy no more for me, As a web hung in my loom, Thy picture fills the empty room, My silent shrine to thee! Nor is it pride, - nor yet despair, Nor lifeless, - hopelessness. But faith, aspiring, - love forbid That I should bid one prayer to thee That thou, in joy and safety blest, Might'st never know disgrace nor woe; Darling, there is no other, none In all this world, but thou and I. Heaven is shut out from this our sky, Earth buries in her womb All except my love for thee!
Finally, in the third stanza, the narrator revels in the moment of their last ride together, savouring every sight, sound, and sensation as if it were the last time he would ever experience them:
We'll go together, one more last, The round of the world hand-in-hand; Pause by the fountain (one last time!) Then turn, and farewell to the land. The sail is set, the anchor weigh'd; The breeze blows fair, the ship bears well; And so with many a plunge and swell We leave the cliffs of England's shore, Until I see, I hear no more, The roaring waves around us roar, The shark beside the ship's prow goes, The sea-horse gambols off the strand.
Themes
At the heart of Last Ride Together is the theme of unrequited love, and the pain and longing that it can cause. The narrator's rejection by his beloved is a universal experience that many readers can relate to, and Browning captures the emotions of the rejected lover with great sensitivity and empathy.
However, Last Ride Together is not just a poem about unrequited love; it is also a celebration of the power of human emotions, and the ability of love to transcend even the most challenging of circumstances. The narrator's final ride with his beloved is a testament to the strength of their bond, and a reminder that even in the face of rejection, there is still hope for happiness.
Literary Devices
Browning's use of literary devices in Last Ride Together is masterful, and contributes greatly to the poem's emotional impact. One of the most striking devices he employs is the dramatic monologue, which allows the narrator's voice to come through clearly and powerfully.
Another important device Browning uses is imagery, which he employs to great effect in creating a vivid and immersive experience for the reader. Whether he is describing the waves crashing against the ship's prow, or the sea-horse gamboling on the strand, his words bring the scene to life and draw the reader in.
Finally, Browning's use of rhyme and meter adds a musical quality to the poem, and helps to create a sense of continuity and flow. The poem's ABABCC rhyme scheme, along with its iambic tetrameter meter, gives it a musical quality that is both soothing and captivating.
Historical Context
To fully appreciate Last Ride Together, it is important to understand the historical context in which it was written. Browning was a Victorian poet, writing at a time when strict social conventions governed relationships between men and women.
In this context, Last Ride Together can be seen as a rebellion against these conventions, and a celebration of the power of love to transcend social norms. The narrator's willingness to risk social ostracism in pursuit of his beloved is a clear challenge to the status quo, and a reminder that true love knows no bounds.
Relevance and Significance
Despite being written over 150 years ago, Last Ride Together remains relevant and significant today. Its themes of unrequited love, hope, and the power of human emotions are timeless, and resonate with readers across generations.
Moreover, the poem's celebration of love as a force that can overcome even the most challenging of circumstances is a powerful message that is needed now more than ever. In a world that often seems divided and hostile, Last Ride Together reminds us that love is a force that can bring us together, and help us to overcome even the greatest of obstacles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Last Ride Together is a masterpiece of Victorian poetry that continues to captivate and inspire readers today. Browning's handling of themes, literary devices, and historical context make this poem a powerful testament to the power of love and the human spirit.
Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply looking for a moving and thought-provoking read, Last Ride Together is a must-read that is not to be missed. So why not take a ride with the narrator and his beloved, and experience the power and beauty of this magnificent poem for yourself?
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Robert Browning's "The Last Ride Together" is a classic poem that explores the themes of love, rejection, and acceptance. The poem is a dramatic monologue that follows the speaker's emotional journey as he pleads with his lover for one last ride together before she marries another man. The poem is a masterpiece of Victorian poetry, and its themes and language continue to resonate with readers today.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing his lover, who is about to marry another man. He pleads with her for one last ride together, hoping to spend a few more moments with her before she is lost to him forever. The speaker is desperate and emotional, and his words are filled with longing and regret.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with the speaker describing his desire to spend one last moment with his lover. He speaks of the beauty of the world around them, and how he wants to experience it with her one last time. He says, "I said, then, dearest, since 'tis so, / Since now at length my fate I know, / Since nothing all my love avails, / Since all, my life seemed meant for, fails, / Since this was written and needs must be, / My whole heart rises up to bless / Your name in pride and thankfulness!" (lines 1-8). The speaker is resigned to his fate, but he still wants to spend one last moment with his lover before she is lost to him forever.
The second stanza is where the speaker's emotions really come to the forefront. He speaks of his love for his lover, and how he has always been faithful to her. He says, "I have been yours, all yours, from the first / Of time, and have been true to you. / It is my glory and my rest / That I have loved you, and love you best" (lines 9-12). The speaker is desperate to convince his lover to spend one last moment with him, and he uses his love for her as his main argument.
The third stanza is where the speaker's desperation really comes through. He speaks of his willingness to do anything for his lover, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness. He says, "I will but love you more and more, / And if you choose to call me yours, / We'll go together to Godesberg" (lines 13-15). The speaker is willing to do anything to be with his lover, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness.
The fourth stanza is where the speaker's emotions really come to the forefront. He speaks of his love for his lover, and how he has always been faithful to her. He says, "I have been yours, all yours, from the first / Of time, and have been true to you. / It is my glory and my rest / That I have loved you, and love you best" (lines 9-12). The speaker is desperate to convince his lover to spend one last moment with him, and he uses his love for her as his main argument.
The fifth stanza is where the speaker's emotions really come through. He speaks of his acceptance of his fate, and how he is willing to let his lover go. He says, "I know you're wedded to another, / That I should lose you, did I not love so! / But death has made us widows of each other, / And separated souls, by more than sea" (lines 21-24). The speaker is resigned to his fate, but he still wants to spend one last moment with his lover before she is lost to him forever.
The final stanza is where the speaker's emotions really come to the forefront. He speaks of his acceptance of his fate, and how he is willing to let his lover go. He says, "One last ride together! / And be sure I count it a crime / To let so fair a joy pass by, / Unheeded in the morning sky" (lines 25-28). The speaker is willing to let his lover go, but he still wants to spend one last moment with her before she is lost to him forever.
In conclusion, Robert Browning's "The Last Ride Together" is a classic poem that explores the themes of love, rejection, and acceptance. The poem is a masterpiece of Victorian poetry, and its themes and language continue to resonate with readers today. The speaker's emotional journey is a powerful one, and his words are filled with longing and regret. The poem is a testament to the power of love, and how it can inspire us to do great things, even in the face of rejection and loss.
Editor Recommended Sites
LLM Model News: Large Language model news from across the internet. Learn the latest on llama, alpacaLLM Book: Large language model book. GPT-4, gpt-4, chatGPT, bard / palm best practice
Best Online Courses - OCW online free university & Free College Courses: The best online courses online. Free education online & Free university online
Learn webgpu: Learn webgpu programming for 3d graphics on the browser
New Today App: Top tech news from around the internet
Recommended Similar Analysis
To Autum by William Blake analysisLot's Wife by Anna Akhmatova analysis
Thirteen Ways Of Looking At A Blackbird by Wallace Stevens analysis
Life in a Bottle by Robert Browning analysis
The Little Horse Is Newly by e.e. cummings analysis
Autumn , The by Elizabeth Barrett Browning analysis
The Tuft Of Flowers by Robert Frost analysis
Verses On A Butterfly by Joseph Warton analysis
Death is like the insect by Emily Dickinson analysis
she being Brand... (XIX) by e.e. cummings analysis