'It Was an English Ladye Bright' by Sir Walter Scott
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It was an English ladye bright,
(The sun shines fair on Carlisle wall,)
And she would marry a Scottish knight,
For Love will still be lord of all.
Blithely they saw the rising sun
When he shone fair on Carlisle wall;
But they were sad ere day was done,
Though Love was still the lord of all.
Her sire gave brooch and jewel fine,
Where the sun shines fair on Carlisle wall;
Her brother gave but a flask of wine,
For ire that Love was lord of all.
For she had lands both meadow and lea,
Where the sun shines fair on Carlisle wall,
And he swore her death, ere he would see
A Scottish knight the lord of all.
That wine she had not tasted well
(The sun shines fair on Carlisle wall,)
When dead, in her true love's arms, she fell,
For Love was still the lord of all!
He pierced her brother to the heart,
Where the sun shines fair on Carlisle wall:--
So perish all would true love part
That Love may still be lord of all!
And then he took the cross divine,
Where the sun shines fair on Carlisle wall,
And died for her sake in Palestine;
So Love was still the lord of all.
Now all ye lovers, that faithful prove,
(The sun shines fair on Carlisle wall,)
Pray for their souls who died for love,
For Love shall still be lord of all!
Editor 1 Interpretation
It Was an English Ladye Bright: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Sir Walter Scott's "It Was an English Ladye Bright" is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of romantic love in medieval times. The poem tells the story of a knight who falls in love with a beautiful English lady, who is his prisoner. The poem is a perfect example of Scott's mastery of the form, as he employs beautiful language and imagery to tell a story that is both passionate and tragic.
Overview of the Poem
The poem begins with the speaker describing the beautiful English lady, who is the object of the knight's affection. The lady is described as being "bright" and "fair," and her beauty captures the knight's heart from the moment he sees her. The knight is her captor, having taken her prisoner in battle, and he is immediately smitten with her.
Throughout the poem, the knight describes his love for the lady in passionate terms, saying that he cannot bear to be without her. He speaks of the pain that he feels when she is not with him, and he speaks of his desire to be close to her.
The lady, however, is not as enthusiastic about the knight's advances. She tries to resist him, but the knight is persistent. He promises to love her forever and to make her his queen, and eventually, the lady agrees to be his.
The poem ends tragically, with the knight lamenting the fact that he has lost the lady. She dies, and he is left alone to mourn her passing. The poem is a beautiful example of medieval romance, with its themes of love, chivalry, and tragedy.
Analysis of the Poem
One of the most striking aspects of this poem is the language that Scott uses to describe the lady. She is described as being "bright" and "fair," which are both highly evocative words that suggest her beauty and radiance. The use of these words sets the tone for the poem, creating a sense of romance and passion that is central to the story.
Another notable aspect of the poem is the way in which the knight speaks of his love for the lady. He is deeply passionate about her, and his language is highly emotive. He speaks of his desire to be close to her, and his need for her reinforces the intensity of his emotions.
The lady, however, is more reserved in her feelings. She is not as immediately attracted to the knight as he is to her, and she tries to resist his advances. This creates a tension in the poem, as the knight's passionate love is contrasted with the lady's reluctance.
One of the most poignant moments in the poem comes towards the end, when the knight describes the pain that he feels at the loss of the lady. He speaks of his grief and his sense of loss, which is made even more tragic by the fact that he has only just gained her love.
Overall, the poem is a beautiful example of medieval romance. It captures the essence of passion and tragedy, and it does so in a way that is deeply emotive and highly evocative.
Interpretation of the Poem
One way of interpreting this poem is as a commentary on the nature of love. The knight's passionate love for the lady is contrasted with her more reserved feelings, which suggests that love can be unequal and unrequited. This is a common theme in romantic literature, and it speaks to the complexity and nuance of human emotions.
Another way of interpreting the poem is as a commentary on the role of women in medieval society. The lady is a prisoner, and she is forced to choose between her captor and her freedom. This highlights the power dynamic between men and women in medieval society, which was often highly unequal.
Finally, the poem can be interpreted as a commentary on the nature of tragedy. The knight's loss of the lady is deeply tragic, and it reinforces the idea that happiness is often fleeting and temporary. This is a common theme in literature, and it speaks to the human desire for stability and permanence in an ever-changing world.
Conclusion
Sir Walter Scott's "It Was an English Ladye Bright" is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of medieval romance. The language is highly evocative, and the themes of passion and tragedy are deeply emotive. The poem can be interpreted in a number of ways, but it ultimately speaks to the complexity and nuance of human emotions. It is a testament to Scott's skill as a poet, and it remains a classic example of romantic literature to this day.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has always been a medium of expression for the human soul. It has the power to evoke emotions, paint vivid pictures in the mind, and transport the reader to a different time and place. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "It Was an English Ladye Bright" by Sir Walter Scott. This classic poem is a beautiful tribute to the power of love and the strength of a woman's heart.
The poem begins with a description of the English ladye, who is described as "bright" and "fair." The use of these adjectives immediately sets the tone for the poem, creating an image of a woman who is not only physically beautiful but also possesses an inner radiance that shines through. The use of the word "English" also adds a sense of pride and patriotism to the poem, highlighting the importance of national identity.
As the poem progresses, we learn that the ladye is in love with a Scottish knight. This is where the poem takes on a deeper meaning, as it explores the themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. The ladye's love for the knight is so strong that she is willing to risk everything to be with him, even if it means going against her own country and family.
The poem then takes a dramatic turn, as we learn that the ladye's father has discovered her love for the Scottish knight and has ordered her to marry a man of his choosing. This is where the true strength of the ladye's character is revealed. Despite the pressure from her father and the expectations of society, she remains true to her heart and refuses to marry anyone but the Scottish knight.
The ladye's loyalty to her love is further emphasized in the following lines:
"She said, 'I may not choose a mate, But as my father's daughter, I'll never wed a man I hate, And you may hew me shorter; For sooner than I'll be his wife, I'll lay me in the mould, And, gentlemen, I pray you, leave That ladye in her cold.'"
These lines are powerful and poignant, as they highlight the ladye's unwavering commitment to her love. She is willing to die rather than marry a man she does not love, and this is a testament to the strength of her character.
The poem then takes on a more somber tone, as the ladye's father orders her to be imprisoned in a tower. This is a cruel punishment, as it not only separates her from her love but also isolates her from the world. However, even in her captivity, the ladye remains steadfast in her love and refuses to give up hope.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as it describes the ladye's death:
"They've ta'en her to the Tower of Lynn, And there they've kept her closely, 'Til the laird of Netherby's bloodhounds Outstripped the fleet-foot roe; And they have slain that ladye bright, To me she ne'er was wae; But I will do as much for thee, My fair-haired Gunnachae."
These lines are heartbreaking, as they describe the ladye's tragic end. However, they also highlight the depth of her love and the sacrifice she was willing to make for it. The final lines of the poem also reveal that the Scottish knight is willing to do the same for her, further emphasizing the power of their love.
In conclusion, "It Was an English Ladye Bright" is a beautiful and poignant poem that explores the themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. The ladye's unwavering commitment to her love is a testament to the strength of her character, and her tragic end is a reminder of the power of love to overcome even the greatest obstacles. Sir Walter Scott's masterful use of language and imagery creates a vivid and emotional portrait of a woman who is both physically and emotionally beautiful, and his tribute to her is a timeless reminder of the power of love to inspire and transform the human soul.
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