Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE BENDED BOW by FELICIA DOROTHEA HEMANS

Poet Analysis

First Line: THERE WAS HEARD THE SOUND OF A COMING FOE
Last Line: AND THE BARDS MADE SONG FOR A BATTLE WON.
THERE was heard the sound of a coming foe,
There was sent through Britain a bended bow;
And a voice was poured on the free winds far,
As the land rose up at the sign of war.

"Heard you not the battle-horn? --
Reaper! leave thy golden corn:
Leave it for the birds of heaven --
Swords must flash and spears be riven!
Leave it for the winds to shed --
Arm! ere Britain's turf grow red."

And the reaper armed, like a freeman's son;
And the bended bow and the voice passed on.

"Hunter! leave the mountain-chase,
Take the falchion from its place;
Let the wolf go free to-day,
Leave him for a nobler prey;
Let the deer ungalled sweep by --
Arm thee! Britain's foes are nigh!"
And the hunter armed ere the chase was done;
And the bended bow and the voice passed on.

"Chieftain! quit the joyous feast --
Stay not till the song hath ceased:
Though the mead be foaming bright,
Though the fires give ruddy light,
Leave the hearth, and leave the hall --
Arm thee! Britain's foes must fall."

And the chieftain armed, and the horn was blown;
And the bended bow and the voice passed on.

"Prince! thy father's deeds are told
In the bower and in the hold,
Where the goatherd's lay is sung
Where the minstrel's harp is strung!
Foes are on thy native sea --
Give our bards a tale of thee!"

And the prince came armed, like a leader's son;
And the bended bow and the voice passed on.
"Mother! stay thou not thy boy,
He must learn the battle's joy:
Sister! bring the sword and spear,
Give thy brother words of cheer:
Maiden! bid thy lover part:
Britain calls the strong in heart!"

And the bended bow and the voice passed on,
And the bards made song for a battle won.



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