Roslin and Hawthornden (of Skies and Seasons)
The story revolves around two men from different walks of life who meet at a Scottish castle during the Jacobite rising of 1745. Roslin, an Englishman, and Hawthornden, a Scotsman, engage in philosophical debates about their respective cultures and the nature of reality. Their discussions are interspersed with descriptions of the natural world and the changing seasons.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1903 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Religious · 152 words
First lines
Fair Roslin Chapel, how divine The art that reared thy costly shrine! Thy carven columns must have grown By magic, like a dream in stone.
Yet not within thy storied wall Would I in adoration fall, So gladly as within the glen That leads to lovely Hawthornden.
A long-drawn aisle, with roof of green And vine-clad pillars, while between, The Esk runs murmuring on its way, In living music night and day.
Within the temple of this wood The martyrs of the covenant stood, And rolled the psalm, and poured the prayer, From Nature's solemn altar-stair.
What this Textopian page supports
Roslin and Hawthornden (of Skies and Seasons) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1903 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Religious, Historical
- Length: 152 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Roslin and Hawthornden (of Skies and Seasons) by Henry Van Dyke
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Roslin and Hawthornden (of Skies and Seasons)?
- How does this poem by Henry Van Dyke fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Red Flower The Red Flower And Golden Stars by Henry Van Dyke
- Moly by Madison Cawein
- The Golden Game by Norman Gale
- School Of Skies And Seasons by Henry Van Dyke
- The Wood God by Madison Cawein
- The Garden Of Dreams by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and imagery.
- Nature Writing — The text vividly describes natural landscapes and elements, emphasizing their beauty and spiritual significance.
- Religious — The poem references religious themes, such as adoration and prayer, within a natural setting.
- Historical — The mention of martyrs of the covenant suggests a historical context related to religious struggles.
Tags
Fiction · Poetry · Nature · Philosophy · Spirituality · Mystery · Fantasy · Romance · Historical Fiction · Literary Fiction · Symbolism · Allegory