'Datur Hora Quieti' by Sir Walter Scott
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The sun upon the lake is low,
The wild birds hush their song,
The hills have evening's deepest glow,
Yet Leonard tarries long.
Now all whom varied toil and care
From home and love divide,
In the calm sunset may repair
Each to the loved one's side.
The noble dame, on turret high,
Who waits her gallant knight,
Looks to the western beam to spy
The flash of armour bright.
The village maid, with hand on brow
The level ray to shade,
Upon the footpath watches now
For Colin's darkening plaid.
Now to their mates the wild swans row,
By day they swam apart,
And to the thicket wanders slow
The hind beside the hart.
The woodlark at his partner's side
Twitters his closing song -
All meet whom day and care divide,
But Leonard tarries long!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Datur Hora Quieti: An Exploration of Time and Memory
Sir Walter Scott's poem, "Datur Hora Quieti," is a haunting meditation on the nature of time and memory. Written in 1815, the poem takes its title from a Latin phrase that translates to "the hour is given to rest." This phrase sets the tone for the poem, which explores the ways in which time can both bring peace and engender sorrow.
The Poem
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of time and memory. In the first stanza, the speaker reflects on the passage of time and the way in which it can erase memories. The second stanza focuses on the idea of "the happy hour," a moment of time that is cherished and remembered long after it has passed. Finally, in the third stanza, the speaker reflects on the inevitability of death and the way in which it brings an end to all earthly things.
One of the most striking aspects of this poem is its use of imagery. Scott draws on a variety of images to convey the emotions of the speaker. In the first stanza, for example, he describes time as a "vulture" that "preys upon the heart." This image suggests that time is a destructive force that takes away memories and leaves only pain behind.
The First Stanza: The Power of Time
The first stanza of the poem is a powerful meditation on the nature of time and its effects on memory. The speaker begins by asking, "Where is the voice that I have heard?" This question immediately sets the tone for the poem, as the speaker is searching for something that has been lost.
As the stanza progresses, the speaker reflects on the passage of time and its effects on memory. He describes time as a "vulture" that preys upon the heart, suggesting that time is a destructive force that takes away memories and leaves only pain behind. The image of the vulture is particularly powerful, as it evokes the idea of death and decay.
Despite the sorrowful tone of the stanza, there is also a sense of resignation. The speaker acknowledges that memories will fade with time, but he also suggests that this is a natural part of life. He ends the stanza by saying, "The hour is past when pleasure charms," suggesting that he has come to accept the passing of time and the inevitability of change.
The Second Stanza: The Happy Hour
The second stanza of the poem shifts the focus from the destructive power of time to its ability to create moments of happiness. The speaker reflects on a "happy hour" that he remembers fondly, a moment in time that he cherishes even though it has passed.
The image that Scott uses to describe this moment is that of a "ray of sunshine" that "gleams through the darkened shower." This image suggests that even in the darkest moments of life, there is always the possibility of happiness and light.
The stanza ends with a sense of longing, as the speaker reflects on the fact that the happy hour is now gone forever. He says, "That hour is gone, the glow is fled," suggesting that he is now left only with memories of the past.
The Third Stanza: Death and the End of Time
The final stanza of the poem shifts the focus once again, this time to the idea of death and the end of all things. The speaker reflects on the fact that even the happiest moments of life must eventually come to an end.
The central image of the stanza is that of a "funeral dirge," which suggests that death is an inevitable part of life. The speaker reflects on the fact that "the heart must pause to breathe," suggesting that even the most vibrant and alive things must eventually come to a stop.
Despite the sorrowful tone of the stanza, there is also a sense of acceptance. The speaker acknowledges that death is a natural part of life, and that all things must eventually pass away. He ends the poem by saying, "Here, in this lone and silent hour, / O'er all the world a charmed power, / The stillness of the soul that dares / Look life's last terrors in the face."
Interpretation
"Datur Hora Quieti" is a powerful meditation on the nature of time and memory. Through its use of powerful imagery and a haunting tone, the poem explores the ways in which time can both bring peace and engender sorrow.
At its core, the poem is a reflection on the inevitability of change and the fact that all things must eventually come to an end. Despite the sorrowful tone of the poem, there is also a sense of acceptance and resignation. The speaker acknowledges that memories will fade with time, and that death is a natural part of life.
Overall, "Datur Hora Quieti" is a beautiful and powerful poem that touches on some of the most fundamental aspects of human experience. By exploring the nature of time and memory, Scott invites us to reflect on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the moments of happiness that we are given.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has always been a medium of expressing emotions and feelings in a beautiful and artistic way. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "Datur Hora Quieti" by Sir Walter Scott. This classic poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of life and the inevitability of death. In this article, we will take a closer look at the poem and analyze its themes, structure, and literary devices.
"Datur Hora Quieti" is a Latin phrase that translates to "the hour of rest is given." The poem is divided into three stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. The poem's structure is simple yet effective, with each stanza building upon the previous one to create a powerful message.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with the speaker reflecting on the fleeting nature of life. The opening line, "The dewy shadows of the evening fall," creates a vivid image of the end of the day. The use of the word "dewy" suggests a sense of freshness and newness, while "shadows" implies a sense of darkness and uncertainty. The second line, "In silence, o'er the woodland, field, and hill," emphasizes the stillness and quietness of the evening. The third line, "The hour of rest is near," introduces the central theme of the poem - the inevitability of death. The use of the word "rest" suggests a peaceful and final end to life. The final line of the stanza, "And mortals meet their fate without a tear," is a powerful statement that highlights the stoic acceptance of death.
The second stanza builds upon the first, with the speaker reflecting on the transience of life. The opening line, "The day's long toil is over," suggests a sense of weariness and exhaustion. The second line, "And nature's voice, in whispers soft and low," creates a sense of calm and tranquility. The third line, "Breathes o'er the weary heart a soothing spell," emphasizes the restorative power of nature. The final line of the stanza, "And bids the mourner's bursting bosom swell," introduces the idea of grief and mourning.
The third and final stanza brings the poem to a powerful conclusion. The opening line, "The hour of rest is come," reinforces the central theme of the poem - the inevitability of death. The second line, "And hark, the solemn curfew's distant tone," creates a sense of finality and closure. The third line, "The gloom of night veils all the world from sight," emphasizes the darkness and uncertainty of death. The final line of the stanza, "And death's cold hand has sealed the mourner's plight," is a powerful statement that highlights the finality of death.
One of the most striking aspects of "Datur Hora Quieti" is its use of literary devices. The poem is rich in imagery, with the speaker using vivid descriptions to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. For example, the use of the word "dewy" in the first stanza creates a sense of freshness and newness, while "shadows" implies a sense of darkness and uncertainty. The use of the word "curfew" in the final stanza creates a sense of finality and closure.
The poem also makes use of repetition, with the phrase "the hour of rest" appearing in each stanza. This repetition reinforces the central theme of the poem - the inevitability of death. The use of rhyme and meter also adds to the poem's effectiveness, with the ABAB rhyme scheme and iambic tetrameter creating a sense of rhythm and flow.
In conclusion, "Datur Hora Quieti" is a classic poem that captures the essence of life and the inevitability of death. The poem's simple yet effective structure, rich imagery, and use of literary devices make it a powerful and moving work of art. Sir Walter Scott's masterpiece continues to inspire and resonate with readers today, reminding us of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
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