On Jordan's Banks by Lord Byron
The poem is a meditation on the fleeting nature of life and beauty, set against the backdrop of the River Jordan's banks. It explores the tension between the transience of human existence and the enduring power of nature. The speaker reflects on the passing of time, the decay of physical beauty, and the inevitability of death.
By Lord Byron · First published 1816 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Historical · 147 words
First lines
I On Jordan's banks the Arab's camels stray, On Sion's hill the False One's votaries pray, The Baal-adorer bows on Sinai's steep- Yet there-even there-Oh God! thy thunders sleep:
II There-where thy finger scorched the tablet stone! There-where thy shadow to thy people shone! Thy glory shrouded in its garb of fire: Thyself-none living see and not expire!
III Oh! in the lightning let thy glance appear; Sweep from his shivered hand the oppressor's spear! How long by tyrants shall thy land be trod? How long thy temple worshipless, Oh God?
What this Textopian page supports
On Jordan's Banks is listed on Textopian as a poem by Lord Byron, dated 1816 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Lord Byron
- Date: 1816 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Historical, Political
- Length: 147 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Religious — The themes revolve around religious imagery and references to biblical locations and events.
- Historical — The text references historical and biblical sites, suggesting a connection to historical events.
- Political — There is an underlying critique of oppression and tyranny, indicating a political dimension.
Tags
Epic · Historical · Poetic · Narrative · Verse · Romanticism · American · Colonial · Revolutionary · War · Freedom · Slavery