Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE CHILDREN OF HENRY THE FIRST, by LYDIA HUNTLEY SIGOURNEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Light sped a bark from gallia's strand Last Line: The smile sat never more. Subject(s): Henry I, King Of England (1068-1135) | ||||||||
LIGHT sped a bark from Gallia's strand Across the azure main, And on her deck a joyous band, -- A proud and courtly train, Surrounded Albion's princely heir, Who toward his realm returned; And music's cheering strain was there, And hearts with pleasure burned. It was a fair and glorious sight That gallant bark to see, With floating streamers, glittering bright In pomp of chivalry; The smooth sea bless'd her as she flew, The gentle gale impelled, As if each crested billow knew What wealth her bosom held. But strangely o'er the summer sky A sable cloud arose, And hollow winds, careering high, Rushed on like armed foes. Loud thunders roll, wild tempests rave, Red lightnings cleave the sky, -- What is yon wreck amid the wave? And whence that fearful cry? See! see! amid the foaming surge There seems a speck to float, And, with such speed as oars can urge, Toils on the laboring boat. The Prince is safe -- but to his ear There came a distant shriek, Which to his strained eye brought the tear, And paleness to his cheek. That voice! 'twas by his cradle side, When with sweet dream he slept, -- It ruled his wrath, it soothed his pride, When moody boyhood wept. 'Twas with him in his hour of glee, Gay sports, and pastimes rare; And at his sainted mother's knee, Amid the evening prayer. Plunging, he dared the breakers hoarse, -- None might the deed restrain, -- And battled, with a maniac's force, The madness of the main. He snatched his sister from the wreck, -- Faint was her accent dear, Yet strong her white arms twined his neck, -- "Blest William! art thou here?" The wild waves swelled like mountains on, The blasts impetuous sweep; Where is the heir of England's throne? Go, -- ask the insatiate deep! He sleeps in Ocean's coral grove, Pale pearls his bed adorn, A martyr to that hallowed love Which with his life was born. Woe was in England's halls that day, Woe in her royal towers, While low her haughty monarch lay, To wail his smitten flowers: And, though protracted years bestow Bright honor's envied store, Yet on that crowned and lofty brow The smile sat never more. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...HE NEVER SMILED AGAIN by FELICIA DOROTHEA HEMANS COLUMBUS [JANUARY, 1487] by LYDIA HUNTLEY SIGOURNEY INDIAN NAMES by LYDIA HUNTLEY SIGOURNEY THE CORAL INSECT by LYDIA HUNTLEY SIGOURNEY THE INDIAN'S WELCOME TO THE PILGRIM FATHERS by LYDIA HUNTLEY SIGOURNEY A COTTAGE SCENE by LYDIA HUNTLEY SIGOURNEY A DOOR OPENED IN HEAVEN by LYDIA HUNTLEY SIGOURNEY A FATHER TO HIS MOTHERLESS CHILDREN by LYDIA HUNTLEY SIGOURNEY A MOTHER'S COUNSELS by LYDIA HUNTLEY SIGOURNEY ADVERTISEMENT OF A LOST DAY by LYDIA HUNTLEY SIGOURNEY |
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