Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Mysticism and Democracy (3)," Geoffrey Hill continues to weave together his themes of spirituality, political life, and the historical landscape of England, this time delving into his own origins and the paths taken by those seeking truth and virtue.

"I am of Dark-land, for there I was born, and there my Father and Mother are still." Hill begins with a personal declaration of origin, grounding his identity in a place he refers to as "Dark-land." This mysterious, possibly metaphorical place is not just his birthplace but also the home of his ancestors, suggesting deep roots and an inherited legacy.

"To the Evangelicals: a moving image of multitudes turned aside - / into the fields — / with staves and bundles, through the patched sloughs, broken-down hedges, among brick stacks:" Here, Hill addresses the Evangelicals, evoking a vivid image of crowds diverted from their intended path. These multitudes are depicted carrying staves and bundles, traversing difficult terrain marked by sloughs, broken hedges, and industrial remnants. This image might symbolize a spiritual or social journey fraught with challenges and diversions.

"Unerring the voice, the direction, though the truth / is difficult to follow," despite the clear guidance from an authoritative voice, following the truth proves to be arduous. This tension highlights the complexity of pursuing genuine righteousness or spiritual truth in a world full of obstacles and misleading paths.

"A track of peculiar virtue - English - which so often / deceives us by the way." Hill introduces the idea of a distinctly English virtue, characterized by its peculiarity and potential to mislead. This nationalistic virtue, though well-intentioned, can be deceptive, suggesting a critique of traditional or culturally specific notions of morality and righteousness.

"Exhaustion is of the essence, though in the meantime what song has befallen those who were laggard pilgrims, or none." Hill acknowledges that the journey towards truth and virtue is inherently exhausting. He then questions what has become of the stragglers, the laggard pilgrims, or those who never embarked on the journey at all. This reflection points to the varied experiences of individuals within a spiritual or moral quest, recognizing that not everyone reaches the same destination or travels at the same pace.

"It is as you see. I would not trouble greatly to proclaim this. / But shelve it under Mercies." In these concluding lines, Hill seems to resign himself to the realities he has described. He suggests that these observations need not be proclaimed loudly; instead, they should be quietly acknowledged and placed "under Mercies." This phrase implies a humble acceptance and a categorization of these reflections as part of a broader understanding of grace and compassion.

"Mysticism and Democracy (3)" thus offers a contemplative exploration of heritage, spiritual journey, and the complexities inherent in the pursuit of virtue. Hill's nuanced language and imagery invite readers to consider the often arduous path toward moral and spiritual integrity, the deceptions that may arise along the way, and the ultimate need for mercy and understanding in the face of human frailty.

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