Stanza I
Ye distant spires, ye antique tow’rs,
That crown the wat’ry glade,
Where grateful Science still adores
Her Henry’s holy Shade;
And ye, that from the stately brow
Of Windsor’s heights th’ expanse below
Of grove, of lawn, of mead survey,
Whose turf, whose shade, whose flowr’s among
Wanders the hoary Thames along
His silver-winding way.
These lines evoke a sense of admiration and appreciation for the majestic architecture and natural beauty of the surroundings. The mention of “distant spires” and “antique towers” suggests a historical and grand setting. The reference to “grateful Science” paying homage to “Henry’s holy Shade” implies a connection to a revered figure, possibly King Henry. The description of Windsor’s heights and the panoramic view of groves, lawns, and meadows along the winding Thames river paints a picturesque scene of tranquility and natural splendor. Overall, these lines convey a deep appreciation for the beauty and significance of the location being described.
Stanza II
Ah, happy hills, ah, pleasing shade,
Ah, fields belov’d in vain,
Where once my careless childhood stray’d,
A stranger yet to pain!
I feel the gales, that from ye blow,
A momentary bliss bestow,
As waving fresh their gladsome wing,
My weary soul they seem to soothe,
And, redolent of joy and youth,
To breathe a second spring.
These lines express a nostalgic longing for the happiness and innocence of childhood. The mention of “happy hills” and “pleasing shade” conjures images of idyllic landscapes where the speaker’s carefree childhood was spent. The phrase “stranger yet to pain” suggests that during that time, the speaker was unaware of the hardships and challenges that life can bring. The feeling of the gentle breeze from those beloved fields brings a momentary sense of bliss and soothes the speaker’s weary soul, evoking memories of joy and youth. It’s a beautiful expression of the desire to relive the carefree days of childhood and experience a renewed sense of happiness and vitality.
Stanza III
Say, Father Thames, for thou hast seen
Full many a sprightly race
Disporting on thy margent green
The paths of pleasure trace,
Who foremost now delight to cleave
With pliant arm thy glassy wave?
The captive linnet which enthrall?
What idle progeny succeed
To chase the rolling circle’s speed,
Or urge the flying ball?
These lines address Father Thames, the personification of the River Thames, and inquire about the current generation of people who enjoy recreational activities along its banks. The speaker asks who now takes delight in swimming or gliding through the river with skillful strokes. He also questions which idle individuals are now occupied with trivial pursuits like capturing a linnet or chasing after rolling circles or flying balls. Essentially, the lines express curiosity about the present-day pastimes and leisure activities of those who frequent the river’s green shores.
Stanza IV
While some on earnest business bent
Their murm’ring labours ply
‘Gainst graver hours, that bring constraint
To sweeten liberty:
Some bold adventurers disdain
The limits of their little reign,
And unknown regions dare descry:
Still as they run they look behind,
They hear a voice in ev’ry wind,
And snatch a fearful joy.
These lines describe individuals who are engaged in their work, diligently carrying out their tasks while acknowledging the constraints that come with more serious responsibilities. At the same time, there are adventurous souls who reject the boundaries of their limited realm and venture into unexplored territories. As they embark on their pursuits, they remain vigilant, constantly looking back and listening to the whispers of caution in every breeze. Despite their fear, they find a thrilling joy in the unknown. Overall, these lines depict a contrast between those focused on their duties and those who seek excitement and new experiences beyond their familiar surroundings.
Stanza V
Gay hope is theirs by fancy fed,
Less pleasing when possest;
The tear forgot as soon as shed,
The sunshine of the breast:
Theirs buxom health of rosy hue,
Wild wit, invention ever-new,
And lively cheer of vigour born;
The thoughtless day, the easy night,
The spirits pure, the slumbers light,
That fly th’ approach of morn.
These lines indicate that the individuals being described possess a hopeful and vibrant imagination, which brings them joy. However, this happiness is often fleeting, as the tears they shed are quickly forgotten and their contentment is short-lived. They enjoy the buoyant health of a rosy complexion, a lively wit that constantly generates new ideas, and a cheerful vigor that emanates from within. Their days are carefree, their nights calm and easy, and they awaken with pure spirits and light slumbers that resist the approach of morning. Overall, these lines portray a sense of youthful exuberance and a carefree nature that embraces the joys of the present moment.
Stanza VI
Alas, regardless of their doom,
The little victims play!
No sense have they of ills to come,
Nor care beyond to-day:
Yet see how all around ’em wait
The ministers of human fate,
And black Misfortune’s baleful train!
Ah, show them where in ambush stand
To seize their prey the murth’rous band!
Ah, tell them they are men!
These lines highlight the innocence and carefree nature of children. The speaker observes how the young ones, oblivious to the future and only focused on the present, engage in playful activities. However, the speaker also notes the presence of the inevitable hardships and misfortunes that surround him, represented as the ministers of human fate and the menacing forces of black Misfortune. The speaker expresses a desire to warn the children about the dangers lurking in the world, urging them to recognize the harsh realities and remember their own humanity. Overall, these lines emphasize the stark contrast between the blissful ignorance of children and the harshness of the world they inhabit.
Stanza VII
These shall the fury Passions tear,
The vultures of the mind
Disdainful Anger, pallid Fear,
And Shame that skulks behind;
Or pining Love shall waste their youth,
Or Jealousy with rankling tooth,
That inly gnaws the secret heart,
And Envy wan, and faded Care,
Grim-visag’d comfortless Despair,
And Sorrow’s piercing dart.
These lines emphasize the destructive power of intense emotions and negative mental states. The speaker describes how passions such as anger, fear, shame, and jealousy can tear at the very fabric of one’s being. Love, if unrequited or unfulfilled, can lead to a wasting away of one’s youth. Envy and care can drain the vitality from a person’s life, while despair and sorrow can pierce the heart with their sharp arrows of pain. Overall, these lines highlight the profound impact that negative emotions and mental states can have on an individual, causing anguish and suffering in their lives.
Stanza VIII
Ambition this shall tempt to rise,
Then whirl the wretch from high,
To bitter Scorn a sacrifice,
And grinning Infamy.
The stings of Falsehood those shall try,
And hard Unkindness’ alter’d eye,
That mocks the tear it forc’d to flow;
And keen Remorse with blood defil’d,
And moody Madness laughing wild
Amid severest woe.
These lines highlight the consequences of ambition and the pitfalls that await those who pursue it. The speaker describes how ambition can tempt individuals to rise to great heights, only to be swiftly and violently thrown down. They become sacrifices to bitter scorn and grinning infamy, facing the mockery and ridicule of others. The stings of falsehood and the altered, unkind gazes of those they once trusted test their resolve. They are haunted by remorse, tainted with blood, and plagued by the laughter of mad despair amidst their deepest sorrows. Overall, these lines emphasize the harsh realities and potential downfall that accompany the pursuit of ambition, painting a bleak picture of the consequences that await those who dare to reach for greatness.
Stanza IX
Lo, in the vale of years beneath
A griesly troop are seen,
The painful family of Death,
More hideous than their Queen:
This racks the joints, this fires the veins,
That ev’ry labouring sinew strains,
Those in the deeper vitals rage:
Lo, Poverty, to fill the band,
That numbs the soul with icy hand,
And slow-consuming Age.
These lines suggest the presence of various afflictions and hardships that come with aging. The speaker describes a grim group of beings known as the family of Death, who are even more terrifying than Death itself. Among them, there is one that causes joint pain, another that inflames the veins, and yet another that strains every muscle. These afflictions rage deep within the body. Additionally, poverty joins the group, numbing the soul with its icy grip. Finally, there is the slow and relentless decay of old age, consuming one’s vitality over time. Overall, these lines highlight the physical and emotional challenges that come with aging, painting a somber picture of the burdens that accompany the passage of time.
Stanza X
To each his suff’rings: all are men,
Condemn’d alike to groan,
The tender for another’s pain;
Th’ unfeeling for his own.
Yet ah! why should they know their fate?
Since sorrow never comes too late,
And happiness too swiftly flies.
Thought would destroy their paradise.
No more; where ignorance is bliss,
‘Tis folly to be wise.
These lines describe the universal nature of suffering and the different ways in which individuals experience it. The speaker suggests that all people, regardless of their circumstances, are condemned to endure pain and hardship. Some are tender-hearted and feel the pain of others, while others are indifferent and only care about their own suffering. The speaker questions why people should be aware of their fate, as sorrow can come at any time and happiness can vanish quickly. He suggests that ignorance can be blissful, as knowing too much can destroy one’s sense of paradise. Overall, these lines highlight the complexities of human suffering, the fleeting nature of happiness, and the idea that sometimes ignorance can bring a certain kind of contentment.
Charles Lamb Christ’s Hospital Summary
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