Poem Analysis - As Lords Their Labourers Hire Delay

Introduction: A Call to Perseverance

Sir Walter Scott’s “As Lords Their Labourers' Hire Delay” is a short, potent poem offering encouragement in the face of hardship. Its tone is initially one of acknowledgement of life's injustices, comparing it to delayed wages. However, it quickly shifts towards a more hopeful and exhortative mood, urging the reader to maintain faith and avoid despair. The poem’s strength lies in its simple yet resonant language and its focus on the importance of hope and perseverance.

The Theme of Hope Deferred

A central theme in the poem is that of hope deferred. The opening lines establish a parallel between the unfairness of delayed wages for laborers and the seemingly postponed rewards of life, or "Fate." While the initial analogy might suggest frustration, the poem doesn't dwell on the negative. Instead, the phrase "hopes to come" suggests that even when rewards are delayed, they are still promised. Scott emphasizes that even if these future rewards fall short of what is deserved ("far short of present pay"), the debt is still acknowledged ("owns a debt and names a sum"), indicating a future recompense is assured.

Avoiding Despair: A Moral Imperative

The poem also explores the theme of the destructive nature of despair. The second stanza directly addresses the reader as a "frail sufferer," acknowledging their vulnerability. It explicitly commands them, "Quit not the pledge," meaning don't give up on the promise of future reward, even if it seems distant. The poem escalates the significance of avoiding despair by labeling it as "treason towards man" and "blasphemy to Heaven." This illustrates that despair is not just a personal feeling, but a betrayal of human solidarity and a lack of faith in a higher power. This section highlights the moral importance of maintaining hope, even in the darkest of times.

The Significance of the "Pledge"

A recurring image, and perhaps the most potent symbol, is the "pledge." This pledge represents the promise of future reward, the assurance that effort and suffering will eventually be recognized. It is a tangible or abstract agreement between "Fate" and the individual. Holding onto the "pledge" signifies holding onto hope and trust. It is what sustains the "frail sufferer" through difficult times. The poem urges us to protect this pledge at all costs, viewing it as the key to overcoming adversity. One could interpret the pledge as a promise made by God, or simply as the inherent potential for future betterment in life itself. The ambiguity of the pledge enriches its symbolic power.

Conclusion: Enduring Faith as Strength

In summary, “As Lords Their Labourers' Hire Delay” is a concise yet powerful articulation of the importance of hope and faith in the face of hardship. By using the analogy of delayed wages, Scott makes a relatable argument for perseverance. The poem develops the themes of hope deferred and the dangers of despair, urging readers to hold onto their "pledge" as a source of strength. Ultimately, the poem's significance lies in its ability to offer comfort and encouragement, reminding us that even when faced with life's injustices, maintaining hope is not only a personal choice but also a moral imperative.