The Oak of Guernica Supposed Address to the Same
The Oak of Guernica Supposed Address to the Same - fact Summary
Notable Publication Detail
Wordsworth addresses the Oak of Guernica as a living symbol of Basque liberty and democratic tradition. He contrasts the tree’s natural vitality with a ‘‘blighting hour’’ that threatens the meetings of local Lawgivers. The poem mourns the possible end of a civic custom, invoking sunlight, sea breezes, and showers while imagining a merciful sheltering of the tree if its political role should cease.
Read Complete AnalysesOAK of Guernica! Tree of holier power Than that which in Dodona did enshrine (So faith too fondly deemed) a voice divine Heard from the depths of its aerial bower-- How canst thou flourish at this blighting hour? What hope, what joy can sunshine bring to thee, Or the soft breezes from the Atlantic sea, The dews of morn, or April's tender shower? Stroke merciful and welcome would that be Which should extend thy branches on the ground, If never more within their shady round Those lofty-minded Lawgivers shall meet, Peasant and lord, in their appointed seat, Guardians of Biscay's ancient liberty.
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