Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"At the Tomb of King Arthur" is a poem by Aubrey de Vere. The poem takes place in Glastonbury's cloister and describes a scene where monks are chanting a funeral hymn for those buried in silence. Meanwhile, a princely multitude arrives, seeking the grave of King Arthur. They discover an oaken cell and a cross with an inscription stating that King Arthur rests in the Isle of Avalon.

The knights, adorned in armor, bow before the coffin. Before opening it, the monarch, possibly King Henry, declares his lifelong vow to honor and worship the mightiest son of the earth, pledging to fill Arthur's royal seat until noon.

As the lid is lifted, the knights find no regal visage or well-formed body, but only dust and ashes. Among the remains, however, there is a bright wreath of hair, identified as Genevra's hair. Time's passage has turned it into gold. The knights touch the wreath, and it crumbles into dust, symbolizing the transience of earthly glory.

In a gesture of humility, King Henry removes the Conqueror's iron crown from his own head and places it on the dust of Arthur's remains. He then kneels in reverence, raising his hands to heaven, proclaiming that God alone is the true King.

The poem reflects on the legendary figure of King Arthur, the fleeting nature of human existence, and the recognition of God's sovereignty. It juxtaposes the mythical past with the present, emphasizing the contrast between the knights' expectations and the reality of mortality. The poem also highlights the theme of humility and the acknowledgment that earthly power and glory eventually fade away.

The language of the poem is lyrical and evocative, capturing the atmosphere of the cloister and the solemnity of the moment. Through vivid imagery and reflective lines, de Vere conveys a sense of reverence, humility, and the impermanence of earthly achievements.

In conclusion, "At the Tomb of King Arthur" by Aubrey de Vere portrays a scene of reverence and contemplation at the supposed grave of King Arthur. The poem explores themes of mortality, humility, and the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, inviting readers to reflect on the transitory nature of human glory and the enduring power of spiritual devotion.

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