'Pet -Lamb, The: A Pastoral Poem' by William Wordsworth
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The dew was falling fast, the stars began to blink;
I heard a voice; it said, "Drink, pretty creature, drink!"
And, looking o'er the hedge, before me I espied
A snow-white mountain-lamb with a Maiden at its side.
Nor sheep nor kine were near; the lamb was all alone,
And by a slender cord was tethered to a stone;
With one knee on the grass did the little Maiden kneel,
While to that mountain-lamb she gave its evening meal.
The lamb, while from her hand he thus his supper took,
Seemed to feast with head and ears; and his tail with pleasure
shook.
"Drink, pretty creature, drink," she said in such a tone
That I almost received her heart into my own.
'Twas little Barbara Lewthwaite, a child of beauty rare!
I watched them with delight, they were a lovely pair.
Now with her empty can the Maiden turned away:
But ere ten yards were gone her footsteps did she stay.
Right towards the lamb she looked; and from a shady place
I unobserved could see the workings of her face:
If Nature to her tongue could measured numbers bring,
Thus, thought I, to her lamb that little Maid might sing:
"What ails thee, young One? what? Why pull so at thy cord?
Is it not well with thee? well both for bed and board?
Thy plot of grass is soft, and green as grass can be;
Rest, little young One, rest; what is't that aileth thee?
"What is it thou wouldst seek? What is wanting to thy heart?
Thy limbs are they not strong? And beautiful thou art:
This grass is tender grass; these flowers they have no peers;
And that green corn all day is rustling in thy ears!
"If the sun be shining hot, do but stretch thy woollen chain,
This beech is standing by, its covert thou canst gain;
For rain and mountain-storms! the like thou need'st not fear,
The rain and storm are things that scarcely can come here.
"Rest, little young One, rest; thou hast forgot the day
When my father found thee first in places far away;
Many flocks were on the hills, but thou wert owned by none,
And thy mother from thy side for evermore was gone.
"He took thee in his arms, and in pity brought thee home:
A blessed day for thee! then whither wouldst thou roam?
A faithful nurse thou hast; the dam that did thee yean
Upon the mountain-tops no kinder could have been.
"Thou know'st that twice a day I have brought thee in this can
Fresh water from the brook, as clear as ever ran;
And twice in the day, when the ground is wet with dew,
I bring thee draughts of milk, warm milk it is and new.
"Thy limbs will shortly be twice as stout as they are now,
Then I'll yoke thee to my cart like a pony in the plough;
My playmate thou shalt be; and when the wind is cold
Our hearth shall be thy bed, our house shall be thy fold.
"It will not, will not rest!--Poor creature, can it be
That 'tis thy mother's heart which is working so in thee?
Things that I know not of belike to thee are dear,
And dreams of things which thou canst neither see nor hear.
"Alas, the mountain-tops that look so green and fair!
I've heard of fearful winds and darkness that come there;
The little brooks that seem all pastime and all play,
When they are angry, roar like lions for their prey.
"Here thou need'st not dread the raven in the sky;
Night and day thou art safe,--our cottage is hard by.
Why bleat so after me? Why pull so at thy chain?
Sleep--and at break of day I will come to thee again!"
--As homeward through the lane I went with lazy feet,
This song to myself did I oftentimes repeat;
And it seemed, as I retraced the ballad line by line,
That but half of it was hers, and one half of it was 'mine'.
Again, and once again, did I repeat the song;
"Nay," said I, "more than half to the damsel must belong,
For she looked with such a look and she spake with such a tone,
That I almost received her heart into my own."
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Pet-Lamb: A Pastoral Poem by William Wordsworth
William Wordsworth is one of the most celebrated poets of the Romantic period, and his work "The Pet-Lamb: A Pastoral Poem" is a beautiful example of his talents. This poem was first published in 1802 as part of Lyrical Ballads, a collection of poetry written by Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. "The Pet-Lamb" is a pastoral poem, a genre that idealizes rural life and nature. In this interpretation, we will explore the themes and literary techniques used in the poem and examine how they contribute to its overall meaning and message.
The Story
"The Pet-Lamb" tells the story of a young girl named Eliza who has a pet lamb that she loves dearly. The lamb is playful and affectionate, and Eliza takes care of it like a member of the family. One day, Eliza's mother tells her that the lamb must be sold because they cannot afford to keep it. Eliza is heartbroken and begs her mother to let her keep the lamb, but her mother insists that it must go. The lamb is sold, and Eliza is devastated. However, she finds comfort in the fact that the lamb will be well taken care of and loved by its new owner.
The Themes
One of the primary themes in "The Pet-Lamb" is the relationship between humans and nature. Throughout the poem, Wordsworth emphasizes the connection between Eliza and her lamb, portraying the lamb as a part of the natural world that Eliza loves and cares for. The poem also highlights the importance of empathy and compassion towards all living beings, including animals.
Another theme in the poem is the idea of loss and separation. Eliza is forced to give up her beloved lamb, and the pain of this loss is palpable in the poem. However, the poem also suggests that even in moments of loss and separation, there can be comfort and hope. Eliza takes solace in the knowledge that her lamb will be well taken care of by its new owner.
The Literary Techniques
Wordsworth uses a variety of literary techniques in "The Pet-Lamb" to convey his themes and create a vivid, emotional narrative. One of the most prominent techniques is the use of imagery. Wordsworth describes the lamb in detail, highlighting its playful and affectionate nature. He also uses sensory imagery to bring the natural world to life, describing the "green hill" and the "running brook" that Eliza and the lamb enjoy together.
Another technique used in the poem is repetition. Wordsworth repeats the phrase "the pet-lamb" throughout the poem, emphasizing the importance of this animal in Eliza's life. He also repeats the phrase "I'll feed thee" several times, underscoring the sense of care and responsibility that Eliza feels towards the lamb.
The poem also uses symbolism to convey its themes. The lamb can be seen as a symbol of innocence and purity, and Eliza's love for it represents the love that humans can have for nature and all living beings. The fact that the lamb is ultimately sold can be seen as a symbol of the harsh realities of life and the need to sometimes make difficult choices.
The Message
At its core, "The Pet-Lamb" is a message about the importance of empathy and compassion towards all living beings. The poem emphasizes the connection between humans and nature, and reminds us of the responsibility we have to care for and protect the natural world. It also speaks to the pain of loss and separation, and the comfort that can be found in knowing that those we love are being well taken care of.
Ultimately, "The Pet-Lamb" is a beautiful example of Wordsworth's talent for capturing the beauty and emotion of the natural world in his poetry. It is a touching reminder of the importance of kindness and love towards all living beings, and a testament to the enduring power of nature in our lives.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Poetry Pet - Lamb, The: A Pastoral Poem by William Wordsworth is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. This poem is a beautiful representation of the Romantic era, which was characterized by a deep appreciation for nature and the simple things in life. In this analysis, we will delve into the themes, structure, and language used in this poem to understand its significance and relevance in today's world.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing a lamb, which is a common animal found in pastoral settings. The speaker marvels at the lamb's innocence and purity, which is a common theme in Romantic literature. The lamb is seen as a symbol of the natural world, which is often contrasted with the corrupt and artificial world of humans. The speaker notes that the lamb is "clothed in softest clothing" and has a "tender voice," which emphasizes its gentle nature.
The second stanza of the poem focuses on the lamb's creator, who is referred to as the "Little Lamb." This is a reference to Jesus Christ, who is often depicted as a lamb in Christian iconography. The speaker notes that the Little Lamb is also innocent and pure, and that he created the lamb in his own image. This religious imagery is common in Romantic literature, as many writers of this era were deeply influenced by Christianity.
The third stanza of the poem shifts the focus to the speaker's own childhood. The speaker notes that he used to play with the lambs in the fields, and that he felt a deep connection to nature. This connection to nature is a common theme in Romantic literature, as many writers of this era believed that nature was a source of spiritual renewal and inspiration. The speaker notes that he was "called by name" by the lambs, which suggests a deep bond between humans and animals.
The fourth stanza of the poem returns to the theme of the lamb's innocence and purity. The speaker notes that the lamb is "meek and mild," and that it is a symbol of the natural world's goodness. The lamb is contrasted with the "wolf and tiger," which are seen as symbols of the corrupt and violent world of humans. This contrast between the natural world and the human world is a common theme in Romantic literature, as many writers of this era believed that humans had lost touch with their natural instincts and were living in a state of spiritual decay.
The fifth stanza of the poem returns to the theme of the lamb's creator. The speaker notes that the Little Lamb is also a symbol of innocence and purity, and that he is the source of all goodness in the world. The speaker notes that the Little Lamb is also a symbol of love, which is a common theme in Romantic literature. Many writers of this era believed that love was the most powerful force in the universe, and that it could overcome even the most difficult obstacles.
The sixth and final stanza of the poem returns to the speaker's own childhood. The speaker notes that he used to sing a song to the lambs, which was a symbol of his connection to nature. The speaker notes that the song was a symbol of his own innocence and purity, and that it was a way for him to express his love for the natural world. The poem ends with the speaker asking the lamb if it knows who created it, which emphasizes the theme of the lamb's creator and the importance of spirituality in Romantic literature.
The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward, which is typical of Romantic literature. The poem consists of six stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a sing-song quality. The language used in the poem is simple and accessible, which emphasizes the theme of the natural world's simplicity and beauty. The use of religious imagery and symbolism is also typical of Romantic literature, as many writers of this era were deeply influenced by Christianity.
In conclusion, The Poetry Pet - Lamb, The: A Pastoral Poem by William Wordsworth is a beautiful representation of the Romantic era. The poem emphasizes the themes of innocence, purity, and spirituality, which are common in Romantic literature. The poem's simple structure and language emphasize the natural world's simplicity and beauty, and the use of religious imagery and symbolism adds depth and complexity to the poem. The poem's relevance in today's world lies in its emphasis on the importance of nature, spirituality, and love, which are still relevant and important themes in our modern world.
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