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England, My England

England, My England
WHAT have I done for you,
England, my England?
What is there I would not do,
England, my own?
With your glorious eyes austere,
As the Lord were walking near,
Whispering terrible things and dear
As the Song on your bugles blown,
England--
Round the world on your bugles blown!
Where shall the watchful sun,
England, my England,
Match the master-work you've done,
England, my own?
When shall he rejoice agen
Such a breed of mighty men
As come forward, one to ten,
To the Song on your bugles blown,
England--
Down the years on your bugles blown?
Ever the faith endures,
England, my England:--
'Take and break us: we are yours,
England, my own!
Life is good, and joy runs high
Between English earth and sky:
Death is death; but we shall die
To the Song on your bugles blown,
England--
To the stars on your bugles blown!'
They call you proud and hard,
England, my England:
You with worlds to watch and ward,
England, my own!
You whose mail'd hand keeps the keys
Of such teeming destinies,
You could know nor dread nor ease
Were the Song on your bugles blown,
England,
Round the Pit on your bugles blown!
Mother of Ships whose might,
England, my England,
Is the fierce old Sea's delight,
England, my own,
Chosen daughter of the Lord,
Spouse-in-Chief of the ancient Sword,
There 's the menace of the Word
In the Song on your bugles blown,


England--
Out of heaven on your bugles blown!
183

Croquis

Croquis
The beach was crowded. Pausing now and then,
He groped and fiddled doggedly along,
His worn face glaring on the thoughtless throng
The stony peevishness of sightless men.
He seemed scarce older than his clothes. Again,
Grotesquing thinly many an old sweet song,
So cracked his fiddle, his hand so frail and wrong,
You hardly could distinguish one in ten.
He stopped at last, and sat him on the sand,
And, grasping wearily his bread-winner,
Staring dim towards the blue immensity,
Then leaned his head upon his poor old hand.
He may have slept: he did not speak nor stir:
His gesture spoke a vast despondency.
151

Barmaid

Barmaid
Though, if you ask her name, she says Elise,
Being plain Elizabeth, e'en let it pass,
And own that, if her aspirates take their ease,
She ever makes a point, in washing glass,
Handling the engine, turning taps for tots,
And countering change, and scorning what men say,
Of posing as a dove among the pots,
Nor often gives her dignity away.
Her head's a work of art, and, if her eyes
Be tired and ignorant, she has a waist;
Cheaply the Mode she shadows; and she tries
From penny novels to amend her taste;
And, having mopped the zinc for certain years,
And faced the gas, she fades and disappears.
142

Ballade of Dead Actors

Ballade of Dead Actors
Where are the passions they essayed,
And where the tears they made to flow?
Where the wild humours they portrayed
For laughing worlds to see and know?
Othello's wrath and Juliet's woe?
Sir Peter's whims and Timon's gall?
And Millamant and Romeo?
Into the night go one and all.
Where are the braveries, fresh or frayed?
The plumes, the armours -- friend and foe?
The cloth of gold, the rare brocade,
The mantles glittering to and fro?
The pomp, the pride, the royal show?
The cries of war and festival?
The youth, the grace, the charm, the glow?
Into the night go one and all.
The curtain falls, the play is played:
The Beggar packs beside the Beau;
The Monarch troops, and troops the Maid;
The Thunder huddles with the Snow.
Where are the revellers high and low?
The clashing swords? The lover's call?
The dancers gleaming row on row?
Into the night go one and all.
115

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Identification and basic context

William Ernest Henley was a Scottish poet, critic, and editor. He is best known for his poem 'Invictus,' which embodies themes of resilience and defiance. His work often reflects his personal struggles and a strong sense of national identity. He wrote in English and was a prominent figure in late Victorian literature.

Childhood and education

Born in Gloucester, England, Henley faced considerable health challenges from a young age, contracting tuberculosis as a boy. This illness led to the amputation of his left leg below the knee. He received his education at the Crypt School in Gloucester and later studied at the Edinburgh Collegiate School. Despite his physical limitations, he was an intellectually gifted and determined individual.

Literary trajectory

Henley's literary career began to take shape during his recovery from illness. He served as editor for various publications, including the "Scotch Edinburgh" and "Magazine of Art." His poetry, collected in volumes such as "A Book of Verses" (1888), "London Voluntaries" (1893), and "Poems" (1898), gained recognition for its robust and often patriotic themes. He also played a significant role as a literary critic and patron, supporting younger writers.

Works, style, and literary characteristics

Henley's poetry is known for its vigor, directness, and often martial tone. His most famous work, 'Invictus,' with its lines "Out of the night that covers me, / Black as the Pit from pole to pole, / I thank whatever gods may be / For my unconquerable soul," became an inspirational piece for many facing adversity. His work frequently explores themes of courage, endurance, loyalty, and patriotism, particularly in relation to London and the British Empire. His style is characterized by its strong rhythm and bold imagery.

Cultural and historical context

Henley lived during a period of significant imperial expansion and national pride in Britain. His work resonated with the prevailing sentiments of the late Victorian era. He was part of a literary circle that included figures like Robert Louis Stevenson, with whom he had a complex and influential friendship. Henley's experiences and outlook were shaped by the social and political climate of his time.

Personal life

Henley's life was marked by persistent illness and the struggle for survival. The loss of his leg and the constant threat to his health instilled in him a deep sense of fortitude. His friendship with Robert Louis Stevenson was a significant aspect of his personal and literary life; Stevenson based the character of Long John Silver on Henley.

Recognition and reception

Henley achieved considerable recognition during his lifetime, particularly for his poem 'Invictus,' which became widely popular. He was respected as a poet, critic, and editor, holding influential positions in the literary world. His work was seen as representative of a certain strain of late Victorian stoicism and patriotism.

Influences and legacy

Henley's primary legacy lies in his poem 'Invictus,' which continues to inspire readers with its message of self-mastery and resilience. His role as an editor and critic also had an impact on the literary landscape of his time, promoting a particular vision of national and artistic strength.

Interpretation and critical analysis

'Invictus' is often interpreted as a powerful statement of personal agency and control in the face of suffering. Critics have analyzed Henley's work for its nationalistic undertones and its portrayal of stoicism as a virtue. His poetry reflects a complex interplay between personal struggle and public expression.

Curiosities and lesser-known aspects

Henley's distinctive gait, resulting from his prosthetic leg, was a notable feature. He was also known for his strong opinions and his forthright manner in literary and public discourse.

Death and memory

William Ernest Henley died in 1903. His poem 'Invictus' remains his most enduring contribution, frequently quoted and admired for its powerful message of inner strength.