The Lay of the Last Minstrel

Reference to the Context

Introduction

The given lines are an extract from the poem The Lay of the Last Minstrel written by Sir Walter Scott. The poem deals with the theme of patriotism. The poet believes that love and loyalty towards one’s motherland is a natural feeling, and anyone devoid of it, is nothing but a symbol of greed and selfishness. In the first place, the poet wishes to know whether there are such people in the world who have no sense of attachment and allegiance towards their nation, and never feel proud and honoured to speak of the homeland, where they are born and brought up. Then the poet suggests that we should be vigilant of such elements and always keep an eye on them. They are worthless and deserve to be condemned in spite of all their wealth, high rank and authority. Finally the poet believes that such unpatriotic people face an unceremonious end. They lose, their reputation during their lifetime, and when they die, it means death for them in two ways. Firstly they suffer physical death when their body perishes and then their name is also buried forever. No one shed tears of sorrow at their death, no one pays homage to them and no one sings songs of appreciation for them. In this way, they get a well-deserved death.

Lines

BREATHES THERE THE MAN WITH SOUL SO DEAD,
WHO NEVER TO HIMSELF HATH SAID,
THIS IS MY OWN, MY NATIVE LAND!
WHOSE HEART HATH NE’ER WITHIN HIM BURN’D,
AS HOME HIS FOOTSTEPS HE HATH TURN’D,
FROM WANDERING ON A FOREIGN STRAND!
Explanation

In the lines given for contextual explanation, the poet wants to know whether there are unpatriotic people existing on this earth. He wishes to identify such people who are absolutely devoid of the love of the nation. Such people never take due pride in their motherland. If a person remains away from his country for a long time, it is natural that he should feel delighted and satisfied while re-tracing his steps to his own soil. However if such sentiments are not aroused in him, it indicates that the noble feeling of patriotism is not found in him and he has no affiliation with his own land.

Lines

IF SUCH THERE BREATHE, GO MARK HIM WELL;
FOR HIM NO MINSTREL RAPTURES SWELL;
HIGH THOUGH HIS TITLES, PROUD HIS NAME,
BOUNDLESS HIS WEALTH AS WISH CAN CLAIM;
DESPITE THOSE TITLES, POWER AND PELF,
THE WRETCH, CONCENTRED ALL IN SELF
Explanation

In the lines given for elucidation, the poet is sounding a word of caution against those who have not the slightest trace of patriotism in them. The poet wishes that such selfish and unscrupulous people should be identified. We should always be watchful of such people. It is possible that such elements possess high titles and ranks. They may be exercising great power and authority. They may also be rolling in wealth and having all the luxuries and amenities of life. However, they prove to be the most miserable people since they are too self-centered, and always look to their own gains. They pay no heed to the glory and integrity of the nation but go on filling their own coffers.

Lines

LIVING, SHALL FORFEIT FAIR RENOWN,
AND, DOUBLY DYING, SHALL GO DOWN
TO THE VILE DUST FROM WHENCE HE SPRUNG,
UNWEPT, UNHONOUR’D, AND UNSUNG.
Explanation

In the lines given for explanation, the poet is referring to the fate of such a person who is completely devoid of the spirit of patriotism. People begin recognizing such elements during their lifetime and they begin losing their name and fame. When such unpatriotic people die, it means a “double death” for them. In the first place, their body perishes and they are buried. They go back to the same dust from which they were created. At the same time their name and fame is also lost forever. When such an unpatriotic person departs from this world no eyes are filled with tears and no one mourns over her grief. No homage or tribute is paid to such a person as no one utters a word of praise or appreciation for him. No songs are sung in his memory and no one remembers him after his death. Thus, he suffers a death of disgrace and ignominy.