experience. With true insight, Edgar Allan Poe says: "It depicts the earnest, upward impulse of the soul—an impulse not to be subdued even in Death. Despising danger, resisting pleasure, the youth, bearing the banner inscribed 'Excelsior!' (higher still) struggles through all difficulties to an Alpine summit. Warned to be content with the elevation attained, his cry is still 'Excelsior!' There is yet an immortal height to be surmounted—an ascent in Eternity. The poet holds in view the idea of never ending progress." EXCELSIOR The shades of night were falling fast, His brow was sad; his eye beneath, In happy homes he saw the light "Try not the pass!" the old man said; "Dark lowers the tempest overhead, The roaring torrent is deep and wide!" And loud that clarion voice replied, Excelsior! "O stay," the maiden said, “and rest "Beware the pine-tree's withered branch! Beware the awful avalanche!" This was the peasant's last Good-night, A voice replied, far up the height, Excelsior! At break of day, as heavenward A traveler, by the faithful hound, There in the twilight cold and gray, And from the sky, serene and far, Excelsior! -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. EXERCISES 1. What is shown of the youth in that he has already gained the Alpine heights? 2. How are his determination and singleness of purpose shown? 3. Just what is the youth attempting? 4. Will he be satisfied when he reaches the mountain top? 5. What influences were strong against the carrying out of his purpose? 6. What was the effect of each of these influences? 7. What influence seemed strongest to deter him? 8. Why should he refuse to take advice? Explain fully. 9. In what sense did he fail in his attempt? In what sense I did he succeed? 10. What is the effect of the repetition of "Excelsior" at the close of each stanza? 11. What final recognition was gained by this heroic struggle? 12. Compare the truth of this poem with that in the dying words of Rostand's Cyrano de Bergerac: "What are you saying? That it is no use? I know it! But one does not fight because there is hope of winning! No! No! It is much finer to fight when it is no use!" ADDITIONAL READINGS MRS. STOWE: St. Bernard Hospes. WORDSWORTH: Michael. HOLLAND: Gradatim. ARNOLD: Self-Dependence. LONGFELLOW: The Skeleton in Armor. SILL: Opportunity. CHARLES MACKAY: Tell Me, Ye Winged Winds. THE A LIFE LESSON HE voice of sympathy that soothes care and trouble renders a real service to humanity. Riley is broad in his sympathy and keen in his insight into life, and the following poem is probably his masterpiece of sympathy and insight. The very first line is aglow with warmth and gentleness. Time will soon heal childhood's troubles. A larger life of buoyant love will soon crowd out school-day worries. Even disappointed age is consoled by the assurance that Heaven holds all for which the soul sighs. In this poem the author has shown us the world's attitude toward grief. In the first stanza, childhood is quieted with the promise that "childish troubles will soon pass by." The second stanza represents youth with the assurance that sorrows shall vanish in approaching love. The third stanza pictures age facing Heaven's wideopen doors with the promise of final peace in the fulfilment of every dream of the soul. Babes, youths, and grown-ups are, after all, much the same, always consoled by some sweet hope that lures on to greater things, and becoming harder to guide and comfort as the years increase. |