Ultima Thule: Bayard Taylor
Ultima Thule: Bayard Taylor - meaning Summary
Death and Poetic Rest
Longfellow's poem reflects on the death of a fellow poet found peacefully among his books. It contrasts silent, watchful volumes with the poet’s absence, uses the traveller metaphor to suggest life’s transient stay, and wonders about the poet’s afterlife in distant realms. The poem ultimately honors poetic legacy: the last verses become a fitting garland, and the dead poet rests tranquilly, his work outliving him.
Read Complete AnalysesDead he lay among his books! The peace of God was in his looks. As the statues in the gloom Watch o'er Maximilian's tomb, So those volumes from their shelves Watched him, silent as themselves. Ah! his hand will nevermore Turn their storied pages o'er; Nevermore his lips repeat Songs of theirs, however sweet. Let the lifeless body rest! He is gone, who was its guest; Gone, as travellers haste to leave An inn, nor tarry until eve. Traveller! in what realms afar, In what planet, in what star, In what vast, aerial space, Shines the light upon thy face? In what gardens of delight Rest thy weary feet to-night? Poet! thou, whose latest verse Was a garland on thy hearse; Thou hast sung, with organ tone, In Deukalion's life, thine own; On the ruins of the Past Blooms the perfect flower at last. Friend! but yesterday the bells Rang for thee their loud farewells; And to-day they toll for thee, Lying dead beyond the sea; Lying dead among thy books, The peace of God in all thy looks!
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