Hoffer
Hoffer - meaning Summary
Heroic Figure Arises
This short poem praises a rising hero who leads the Tyrolese against a tyrant. The speaker wonders if he is a new Tell or a spirit returned, then likens his arrival to Phoebus bringing dawn. Despite humble appearance—a heron plume—the leader inspires a shaken army and seems to mobilize landscape itself: hills, torrents, and woods unite to mock and overthrow the oppressor, celebrating liberty.
Read Complete AnalysesOF mortal parents is the Hero born By whom the undaunted Tyrolese are led? Or is it Tell's great Spirit, from the dead Returned to animate an age forlorn? He comes like Phoebus through the gates of morn When dreary darkness is discomfited, Yet mark his modest state! upon his head, That simple crest, a heron's plume, is worn. O Liberty! they stagger at the shock From van to rear--and with one mind would flee, But half their host is buried:--rock on rock Descends:--beneath this godlike Warrior, see! Hills, torrents, woods, embodied to bemock The Tyrant, and confound his cruelty.
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