|
|
|
Classic and Contemporary Poetry
MATRES DOLOROSAE, by ROBERT SEYMOUR BRIDGES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography
First Line: Ye spartan mothers, gentle ones
Last Line: Who gave your dearest for her glory.
Alternate Author Name(s): Bridges, Robert+(2)
Subject(s): Mothers
First Line: Ye spartan mothers, gentle ones
Last Line: Who gave your dearest for her glory.
Alternate Author Name(s): Bridges, Robert+(2)
Subject(s): Mothers
YE Spartan mothers, gentle ones,
Of lion-hearted, loving sons,
Fal'n, the flower of English youth,
To a barbarous foe in a land uncouth:--
O what a delicate sacrifice!
Unequal the stake and costly the price
As when the queen of Love deplor'd
Her darling by the wild-beast gor'd.
They rode to war as if to the hunt,
But ye at home, ye bore the brunt,
Bore the siege of torturing fears,
Fed your hope on the bread of tears.
Proud and spotless warriors they
With love or sword to lead the way;
For ye had cradled heart and hand,
The commander harken'd to your command.
Ah, weeping mothers, now all is o'er,
Ye know your honor and mourn no more:
Nor ask ye a name in England's story,
Who gave your dearest for her glory.
Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!
Other Poems of Interest...
MY MOTHER'S HANDS by ANDREW HUDGINS
CONTINENT'S END by ROBINSON JEFFERS
IN THE 25TH YEAR OF MY MOTHER'S DEATH by JUDY JORDAN
THE PAIDLIN' WEAN by ALEXANDER ANDERSON
BLASTING FROM HEAVEN by PHILIP LEVINE
A PASSER-BY by ROBERT SEYMOUR BRIDGES