On a Celebrated Event in Ancient History
On a Celebrated Event in Ancient History - context Summary
The Isthmian Proclamation
Wordsworth frames a public proclamation at the ancient Isthmian Games: a Roman master declares the liberty of Greece and the crowd erupts in ecstatic acclamation. The poem records both the immediate spectacle — even birds falling startled — and a quieter, ironic response: thoughtful observers feel unease. The occasion highlights the paradox that political liberty, celebrated as a bestowed boon, cannot truly be given by a conqueror.
Read Complete AnalysesA ROMAN Master stands on Grecian ground, And to the people at the Isthmian Games Assembled, He, by a herald's voice, proclaims THE LIBERTY OF GREECE:--the words rebound Until all voices in one voice are drowned; Glad acclamation by which air was rent! And birds, high-flying in the element, Dropped to the earth, astonished at the sound! Yet were the thoughtful grieved; and still that voice Haunts, with sad echoes, musing Fancy's ear: Ah! that a 'Conqueror's' words should be so dear: Ah! that a 'boon' could shed such rapturous joys! A gift of that which is not to be given By all the blended powers of Earth and Heaven.
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