To the River Rhone
To the River Rhone - meaning Summary
River as Royal Procession
Longfellow addresses the Rhône as a regal, living presence moving from its alpine source toward the sea. The poem describes its birth in snowy mountains, its armored, triumphant descent, and the welcoming towns, bridges, vineyards, and fleets that flank its progress. It treats the river as both natural force and sovereign figure, celebrating the mutual relationship between landscape, human settlement, and the river’s steady, ceremonial advance.
Read Complete AnalysesThou Royal River, born of sun and shower In chambers purple with the Alpine glow, Wrapped in the spotless ermine of the snow And rocked by tempests!--at the appointed hour Forth, like a steel-clad horseman from a tower, With clang and clink of harness dost thou go To meet thy vassal torrents, that below Rush to receive thee and obey thy power. And now thou movest in triumphal march, A king among the rivers! On thy way A hundred towns await and welcome thee; Bridges uplift for thee the stately arch, Vineyards encircle thee with garlands gay, And fleets attend thy progress to the sea!
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