Threnodia Augustalis: Sacred to the Memory of he
The work is a poignant elegy mourning the death of a beloved royal figure, emphasizing themes of virtue, loss, and the enduring impact of goodness. It opens with a call to honor the deceased, highlighting the contrast between transient power and lasting moral integrity. The speakers reflect on the virtues of the departed, portraying her as a beacon of hope and charity, whose kindness touched the lives of many. The narrative unfolds through a series of speakers, including men and women from various walks of life, each expressing their grief and the void left by her absence. The rustic laborer laments the loss of his benefactor, fearing for his family's future without her support. The pious matron recalls her own reliance on the deceased's generosity, while the war veteran expresses a profound sense of despair, feeling that no danger he faced in battle could compare to the sorrow of losing her. The work employs a mix of lyrical songs and spoken passages, creating a rich tapestry of emotion. The speakers collectively mourn, invoking nature and the beauty of the surroundings as they reflect on the impact of the princess's life. The imagery of the Thames and the pastoral landscape serves as a backdrop for their sorrow, reinforcing the connection between the land and the legacy of the departed. As the elegy progresses, the speakers articulate a shared sense of loss, with each character representing different facets of society affected by her kindness. The young maid, embodying innocence and beauty, vows to honor her memory by forgoing adornments until her return, symbolizing the deep personal impact of the princess's death. The chorus intersperses the narrative, calling for collective remembrance and reflection on the virtues exemplified by the deceased. The work culminates in a powerful affirmation of her legacy, suggesting that her spirit will continue to inspire and guide those she left behind. The final verses emphasize the importance of memory and the hope that her virtues will live on, urging the audience to emulate her goodness. Overall, the piece serves as a tribute to the enduring power of compassion and the profound effects of loss, encapsulating the universal human experience of mourning while celebrating the life of a remarkable individual.
By Oliver Goldsmith · First published 1773 · Genre: Elegy, Lyric Poetry, Drama · 2,999 words
First lines
ARISE, ye sons of worth, arise, / And waken every note of woe; / When truth and virtue reach the skies, / 'Tis ours to weep the want below!
CHORUS: / When truth and virtue, etc.
MAN SPEAKER: / The praise attending pomp and power, / The incense given to kings, / Are but the trappings of an hour- / Mere transitory things! / The base bestow them: but the good agree / To spurn the venal gifts as flattery. / But when to pomp and power are join'd / An equal dignity of mind- / When titles are the smallest claim- / When wealth and rank and noble blood, / But aid the power of doing good- / Then all their trophies last; and flattery turns to fame.
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Threnodia Augustalis: Sacred to the Memory of her Late Royal Highness the Princess Dowager of Wales is listed on Textopian as a poem by Oliver Goldsmith, dated 1773 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Oliver Goldsmith
- Date: 1773 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Elegy, Lyric Poetry, Drama, Tragedy, Historical Tribute
- Length: 2,999 words
- Structure: 1 section, 24 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Threnodia Augustalis: Sacred to the Memory of her Late Royal Highness the Princess Dowager of Wales by Oliver Goldsmith
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Elegy — The work mourns the death of a significant figure, expressing sorrow and reflection on loss.
- Lyric Poetry — The text features personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Drama — The use of speakers and dialogue suggests a dramatic structure.
- Tragedy — Themes of death, loss, and suffering align with tragic elements.
Tags
Elegy · Poetry · Mourning · Royal Family · Princess Dowager · Wales · 18th Century Literature · Oliver Goldsmith · Satire · Social Commentary · Politics · History
More by Oliver Goldsmith
- An Elegy on the Glory of her Sex (1774)
- The Mad Dog (1774)
- She Stoops to Conquer (1773)
- The Vicar of Wakefield (2023)
- The Traveller or a Prospect of Society (1770)
- The Deserted Village (1770)
- Lyrical and Miscellaneous Pieces (1765)
- On a Beautiful Youth Struck Blind with Lightning (1761)
- All works by Oliver Goldsmith