Song of Saul before his Last Battle
The poem describes the final moments of King Saul's life, as he prepares for battle against the Philistines. He is haunted by a prophetic voice that foretells his defeat and death at the hands of an Amalekite. The king's mental state deteriorates as he becomes increasingly paranoid and isolated from his people.
By Lord Byron · First published 1815 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, Tragedy · 168 words
First lines
I Warriors and chiefs! should the shaft or the sword Pierce me in leading the host of the Lord, Heed not the corse, though a King's, in your path: Bury your steel in the bosoms of Gath!
II Thou who art bearing my buckler and bow, Should the soldiers of Saul look away from the foe, Stretch me that moment in blood at thy feet! Mine be the doom which they dared not to meet.
III Farewell to others, but never we part, Heir to my Royalty-Son of my heart! Bright is the diadem, boundless the sway, Or kingly the death, which awaits us to-day!
Seaham, 1815.
What this Textopian page supports
Song of Saul before his Last Battle is listed on Textopian as a poem by Lord Byron, dated 1815 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Lord Byron
- Date: 1815 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical, Tragedy, Epic, Romantic
- Length: 168 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Historical — The content references historical and biblical figures, specifically Saul, suggesting a historical context.
- Tragedy — Themes of impending death and the somber tone align with the characteristics of a tragedy.
- Epic — The focus on warriors, battle, and a king's fate is reminiscent of epic literature.
Tags
Poem · Epic · Narrative · Historical · Dramatic · Tragic · Heroic · Ancient · Jewish · Biblical · Literary · Romantic