The Song of the Bow

The narrative celebrates the craftsmanship and heritage of English archery, focusing on the bow, cord, shaft, and the mark. Each element is intricately tied to the land, emphasizing the pride and tradition of English bowmen. The bow is crafted from yew wood, symbolizing strength and freedom, while the cord is made from durable hemp, essential for the bow's function. The shaft, long and true, is adorned with a grey goose feather, representing skill and precision. As the poem progresses, it shifts from the tangible elements of archery to the intangible—the mark, which is sought beyond England, suggesting a quest for glory and honor in distant lands. The mention of the lion flag evokes national pride and the spirit of adventure. The final stanza pays homage to the bowmen themselves, celebrating their bravery and loyalty, reinforcing the connection between the men and their homeland. Overall, the work encapsulates themes of national identity, craftsmanship, and the valor of those who wield the bow, intertwining personal and collective pride in English heritage. The rhythmic structure and repetitive refrains enhance the celebratory tone, making it a tribute to the enduring legacy of archery in England.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, Adventure · 314 words

First lines

What of the bow? The bow was made in England: Of true wood, of yew-wood, The wood of English bows; So men who are free Love the old yew-tree And the land where the yew-tree grows.

What of the cord? The cord was made in England: A rough cord, a tough cord, A cord that bowmen love; And so we will sing Of the hempen string And the land where the cord was wove.

What this Textopian page supports

The Song of the Bow is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1910 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

• Work type: Poem
• Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Date: 1910 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Poetry, Historical, Adventure, Nature, Patriotic
• Length: 314 words
• Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Song of the Bow by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
• Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
• Readability and classroom-planning context
• Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

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• What should a reader notice first when entering The Song of the Bow?
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Genres

• Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
• Historical — The themes revolve around English heritage, bowmen, and traditional craftsmanship, reflecting historical elements.
• Adventure — The references to bowmen and marksmen suggest themes of adventure and exploration.
• Nature — The poem emphasizes natural elements like yew-wood and the land, highlighting a connection to nature.

Tags

poetry · archery · England · yew-wood · bowmen · yeomen · tradition · nature · craftsmanship · freedom · heritage · strength

More by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

• The Parish Magazine (1914)
• The Great Brown-Pericord Motor (1914)
• The Holocaust of Manor Place (1901)
• The Debatable Case of Mrs. Emsley (1901)
• The Love Affair of George Vincent Parker (1901)
• The Disintegration Machine (1927)
• The Bully of Brocas Court (1914)
• The Brown Hand (1914)
• All works by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle