Classic and Contemporary Poetry
LEGEND OF SAINT MARTIN, by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Shrewd was the good saint martin; he was famed | ||||||||
Shrewd was the good St. Martin; he was famed For sly expedients and devices quaint; And autumn's latest sunny days are named St. Martin's summer from the genial saint. Large were his charities; one winter day He saw a half-clad beggar in the way, And stopped and said: " Well met, my friend, well met; That nose of thine, I see, is quite too blue. " With that his trenchant sword he drew - For he was in the service yet - And cut his military cloak in two; And with a pleasant laugh He bade the shivering rogue take half. On one of the great roads of France Two travellers were journeying on a day. The saint drew near, as if by chance, And joined them, walking the same way. A shabby pair in truth were they, For one was meanly covetous, and one An envious wretch - so doth the legend run. Yet courteously they greeted him, and talked Of current topics; for example, whether There would be war, and what to-morrow's weather, Cheating the weary furlongs as they walked. And when the eventide drew near Thus spoke the saint: " We part to-night; I am St. Martin, and I give you here The means to make your fortunes, used aright; Let one of you think what will please him best, And freely ask what I will freely give. And he who asks not shall from me receive Twice what the other gains by his request; And now I take my leave. " He spoke, and left the astonished men Delighted with his words; but then The question rose, which of that lucky pair Should speak the wish and take the smaller share. Each begged the other not to heed The promptings of a selfish greed, But frame at once, since he so well knew how, The amplest, fullest wish that words allow. Dear comrade, act a princely part; Lay every sordid thought aside; Show thyself generous as thou art; Take counsel of thy own large heart, And nobly for our common good provide. " But neither prayers nor flatteries availed; They passed from these to threats, and threats too failed. Thus went the pleadings on, until at last The covetous man, his very blood on fire, Flew at his fellow's throat and clenched it fast, And shrieked: " Die, then, or do what I require; Die, strangled like a dog. " That taunt awoke A fierce anger in his envious mate, And merged the thirst of gain in bitter hate; And with a half-choked voice he spoke, Dissembling his malign intent, Take off thy hand and I consent. The grasp was loosened, and he raised a shout, I wish that one of my own eyes were out. The wish was gratified as soon as heard. St. Martin punctually kept his word. The envious man was one-eyed from that day, The other blind for his whole life remained. And this was all the good that either gained From the saint's offer in the public way. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A MEDITATION ON RHODE ISLAND COAL by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT A WINTER PIECE by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT AMERICA (1) by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT ANTIQUITY OF FREEDOM by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT AUTUMN WOODS by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT DANTE by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT GREEN RIVER by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT HYMN OF THE CITY by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT INSCRIPTION FOR THE ENTRANCE TO A WOOD by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT JUNE (1) by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT MONUMENT MOUNTAIN by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT ODE FOR THE BURIAL OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT |
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