The Eagle and the Dove
The Eagle and the Dove - meaning Summary
Youthful Revolt Sanctified
Wordsworth invokes the spirit of Caractacus to link ancient resistance against Rome with a contemporary youth movement. He presents young fighters—identified with Vannes and bearing a cross with French flowers—as heirs to that patriotic scorn of tyranny. Though older opponents sneer at their inexperience, the poem insists their cause is sanctified by truth and faith, and that divine support can elevate seemingly powerless, youthful devotion into a righteous force.
Read Complete AnalysesSHADE of Caractacus, if spirits love The cause they fought for in their earthly home To see the Eagle ruffled by the Dove May soothe thy memory of the chains of Rome. These children claim thee for their sire; the breath Of thy renown, from Cambrian mountains, fans A flame within them that despises death And glorifies the truant youth of Vannes. With thy own scorn of tyrants they advance, But truth divine has sanctified their rage, A silver cross enchased with flowers of France Their badge, attests the holy fight they wage. The shrill defiance of the young crusade Their veteran foes mock as an idle noise; But unto Faith and Loyalty comes aid From Heaven, gigantic force to beardless boys.
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