Find Ghent and Aix la Chapelle on your map.
What was probably the nature of the "good news" carried by the messengers?
How many messengers were there?
What makes you think so?
What does the fifth stanza tell you?
What tells you the praise given Roland?
The rhythm suggests the gallop of the horses. In which lines is this suggestion most marked?
Indicate the rhythmic movement.
Words and Phrases for Discussion.
"postern"
"pique"
"askance"
"burgesses"
"stirrup"
"twilight"
"haunches"
"holster"
"Good speed! cried the watch as the gate-bolts undrew"
"With resolute shoulders each b.u.t.ting away The haze, as some bluff river headland its spray"
INCIDENT OF THE FRENCH CAMP
ROBERT BROWNING
You know, we French stormed Ratisbon: A mile or so away, On a little mound, Napoleon Stood on our storming-day; With neck out-thrust, you fancy how, Legs wide, arms locked behind, As if to balance the p.r.o.ne brow Oppressive with its mind.
Just as perhaps he mused, "My plans That soar, to earth may fall, Let once my army-leader, Lannes, Waver at yonder wall,"-- Out "twixt the battery-smokes there flew A rider, bound on bound Full-galloping; nor bridle drew Until he reached the mound.
Then off there flung in smiling joy, And held himself erect By just his horse"s mane, a boy: You hardly could suspect-- (So tight he kept his lips compressed, Scarce any blood came through) You looked twice ere you saw his breast Was all but shot in two.
"Well," cried he, "Emperor, by G.o.d"s grace, We"ve got you Ratisbon!
The marshal"s in the market-place, And you"ll be there anon To see your flag-bird flap his vans Where I, to heart"s desire, Perched him!" The chief"s eye flashed; his plans Soared up again like fire.
The chiefs eye flashed; but presently Softened itself, as sheathes A film the mother eagle"s eye When her bruised eaglet breathes: "You"re wounded!" "Nay," the soldier"s pride Touched to the quick, he said: "I"m killed, sire!" And his chief beside, Smiling, the boy fell dead.
HELPS TO STUDY.
Notes and Questions.
On your map find Ratisbon on the Danube River.
What picture have you of Napoleon from reading this poem?
What word used figuratively tells you of the rider"s speed?
Tell the story of the boy rider.
What was the mission of the boy who rode alone?
Was his heroism greater because he was alone?
Words and Phrases for Discussion.
"stormed"
"soar"
"p.r.o.ne"
"waver"
"battery-smokes"
"vans"
"sheathes"
"film"
HERVe RIEL
ROBERT BROWNING
On the sea and at the Hogue, sixteen hundred ninety-two, Did the English fight the French--woe to France!
And the thirty-first of May, helter-skelter through the blue, Like a crowd of frightened porpoises a shoal of sharks pursue, Came crowding ship on ship to St. Malo on the Rance, With the English fleet in view.
"Twas the squadron that escaped, with the victor in full chase; First and foremost of the drove, in his great ship, Damfreville; Close on him fled, great and small, Twenty-two good ships in all; And they signalled to the place, "Help the winners of a race!
Get us guidance, give us harbor, take us quick--or, quicker still, Here"s the English can and will!"
Then the pilots of the place put out brisk and leapt on board; "Why, what hope or chance have ships like these to pa.s.s?" laughed they: "Rocks to starboard, rocks to port, all the pa.s.sage scarred and scored,-- Shall the "Formidable" here, with her twelve and eighty guns, Think to make the river-mouth by the single narrow way, Trust to enter--where "tis ticklish for a craft of twenty tons, And with flow at full beside?
Now, "tis slackest ebb of tide.
Reach the mooring? Rather say, While rock stands or water runs, Not a ship will leave the bay!"
Then was called a council straight.
Brief and bitter the debate: "Here"s the English at our heels; would you have them take in tow All that"s left us of the fleet, linked together stern and bow, For a prize to Plymouth Sound? Better run the ships aground!"
(Ended Damfreville his speech).