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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE SULIOTE MOTHER by FELICIA DOROTHEA HEMANS

Poet Analysis

First Line: SHE STOOD UPON THE LOFTIEST PEAK
Last Line: A CRY -- AND ALL WAS O'ER!
Subject(s): SUICIDE;
SHE stood upon the loftiest peak,
Amidst the clear blue sky;
A bitter smile was on her cheek,
And a dark flash in her eye.

"Dost thou see them, boy? -- through the dusky pines
Dost thou see where the foeman's armor shines?
Hast thou caught the gleam of the conqueror's crest?
My babe, that I cradled on my breast!
Wouldst thou spring from thy mother's arms with joy?
-- That sight hath cost thee a father, boy!"

For in the rocky strait beneath,
Lay Suliote sire and son:
They had heaped high the piles of death
Before the pass was won.

"They have crossed the torrent, and on they come:
Woe for the mountain hearth and home!
There, where the hunter laid by his spear,
There, where the lyre hath been sweet to hear,
There, where I sang thee, fair babe! to sleep,
Naught but the blood-stain our trace shall keep!"

And now the horn's loud blast was heard,
And now the cymbal's clang,
Till even the upper air was stirred,
As cliff and hollow rang.

"Hark! they bring music, my joyous child!
What saith the trumpet to Suli's wild?
Doth it light thine eye with so quick a fire,
As if at a glance of thine armed sire?
Still! -- be thou still! -- there are brave men low:
Thou wouldst not smile couldst thou see him now!"

But nearer came the clash of steel,
And louder swelled the horn,
And farther yet the tambour's peal
Through the dark pass was borne.

"Hear'st thou the sound of their savage mirth?
Boy! thou wert free when I gave thee birth, --
Free, and how cherished, my warrior's son!
He too hath blessed thee, as I have done!
Ay, unchained must his loved ones be --
Freedom, young Suliote! for thee and me!"

And from the arrowy peak she sprung,
And fast the fair child bore: --
A veil upon the wind was flung,
A cry -- and all was o'er!



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