Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE CASTERBRIDGE CAPTAINS, by THOMAS HARDY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Three captains went to indian wars | ||||||||
(Khyber Pass, 1842) A Tradition of J. B. L----, T. G. B---- , and J. L---- THREE captains went to Indian wars, And only one returned: Their mate of yore, he singly wore The laurels all had earned. At home he sought the ancient aisle Wherein, untrumped of fame, The three had sat in pupilage, And each had carved his name. The names, rough-hewn, of equal size, Stood on the panel still; Unequal since. -- "'Twas theirs to aim, Mine was it to fulfil!" -- "Who saves his life shall lose it, friends!" Outspake the preacher then, Unweeting he his listener, who Looked at the names again. That he had come and they'd been stayed, 'Twas but the chance of war: Another chance, and they'd sat here, And he had lain afar. Yet saw he something in the lives Of those who'd ceased to live That rounded them with majesty Which living failed to give. Transcendent triumph in return No longer lit his brain; Transcendence rayed the distant urn Where slept the fallen twain. - | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...MEN WHO MARCH AWAY' (SONG OF THE SOLDIERS) by THOMAS HARDY A BROKEN APPOINTMENT by THOMAS HARDY A CHRISTMAS GHOST-STORY; CHRISTMAS-EVE 1899 by THOMAS HARDY A THOUGHT IN TWO MOODS by THOMAS HARDY A THUNDERSTORM IN TOWN by THOMAS HARDY A TRAMPWOMAN'S TRAGEDY by THOMAS HARDY A WIFE IN LONDON by THOMAS HARDY ACCORDING TO THE MIGHTY WORKING by THOMAS HARDY |
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