An Old Tale Retold by Madison Cawein
The narrative unfolds in a desolate castle, once the home of Sir Hugh, now a crumbling relic echoing with memories. The speaker, a former page of Sir Hugh, recounts the tale of love and tragedy between Sir Hugh and Clara of Clare, the daughter of a rival baron. Their love blossoms amidst the backdrop of feudal animosities, with the two young lovers meeting secretly in the woods, defying their families' enmity. As their romance deepens, Clara is forced into an arranged marriage with an eastern earl, a decision made by her father to secure power and wealth. Despite the looming threat of her marriage, Clara and Sir Hugh plan to elope. On a stormy Christmas Eve, they await her escape at a postern door, but Clara never arrives. The speaker describes the festive atmosphere of the castle, contrasting it with the tension of their waiting. Clara's absence leads to speculation about her fate. It is revealed that she attempted to evade her marriage by hiding, but her plan goes tragically awry. The castle is later consumed by flames, possibly as an act of revenge by Sir Hugh's family. Sir Hugh, heartbroken, joins the war in France, where he ultimately meets his demise. Years later, the castle is ransacked, and a chest is discovered containing Clara's remains, revealing the grim fate that befell her. The tale concludes with a reflection on the intertwining of love, loss, and the inexorable passage of time, leaving a haunting legacy of unfulfilled desires and tragic endings.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Romantic Poetry, Historical Fiction, Tragedy · 3,495 words
First lines
From the terrace here, where the hills indent, You can see the uttermost battlement Of the castle there: the Clifford's home Where the seasons go and the seasons come And never a footstep else doth fall Save the prowling fox's; the ancient hall Echoes no voice save the owlet's call: Its turret chambers are homes for the bat; And its courts are tangled and wild to see; And where in the cellar was once the rat, The viper and toad move stealthily. Long years have passed since the place was burned, And he sailed to the wars in France and earned The name that he bears of the bold and true On his tomb. -- Long years, since my lord, Sir Hugh, Lived, and I was his favorite page, And the thing then happened; and he of an age When a man will love and be loved again, Or off to the wars or a monastery; Or toil till he deaden his heart's hard pain; Or drink and forget it and finally bury.
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An Old Tale Retold is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1902 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Madison Cawein
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romantic Poetry, Historical Fiction, Tragedy, Narrative Poetry, Gothic Literature
- Length: 3,495 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Romantic Poetry — The poem centers around a romantic relationship between Sir Hugh and Clara of Clare, exploring themes of love, longing, and tragedy.
- Historical Fiction — Set in a historical context with references to medieval life, the poem incorporates historical elements and characters.
- Tragedy — The narrative culminates in a tragic ending, highlighting themes of loss, betrayal, and the consequences of societal constraints.
- Narrative Poetry — The poem tells a story with a clear plot and character development, characteristic of narrative poetry.
Tags
Fiction · Literary Fiction · Classic · Retelling · Historical Fiction · Romance · Drama · Social Commentary · Coming of Age · Family Saga · Love Story · Tragedy