This poem tells the story of a henchman who has been loyal to his lord for many years but is now old and tired. He reflects on his past service and the hardships he endured, including being wounded in battle. Despite this, he remains devoted to his lord and feels a sense of pride in having served him faithfully. The poem explores themes of loyalty, duty, and the passing of time.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1835 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry