Stanza VI
The gathering of the Highlanders. Does the poet address the ear or the eye in this description? Only the sound of the bagpipes is described, though it may suggest a picture of the Highland regiments. What words describe the music? "Wild and high", "war-note", "thrills savage and shrill". Why does the poet mention proper names—"Lochiel", "Evan", "Donald"? The bagpipes recall stirring memories of these men, which inspire the clansmen to prove worthy of their ancestors. What is the "Cameron's gathering"? The war-song of the Cameron clan. Were there only Camerons in the Highland regiments? No, the Camerons were only one famous clan, but are taken here as representative of the heroism of all the Highlanders. Again, the use of individual specific cases produces a greater impression than a more general term. What was the "pibroch"? A wild, irregular species of music played on the bagpipes, adapted particularly to rouse a martial spirit among troops going to battle.
Stanza VII
What is described in this stanza? The march to the battle-field. What words show that? "As they pass". They were going through the forest of "Ardennes". What is the mood of this stanza? Sadness. The trees are represented as shedding tears when "Nature" thinks of the sad fate awaiting so many brave men. What were those tears? The expression refers to the dew of the early morning on the leaves of the trees, but the poet has called it "Nature's tear-drops". It is only a fanciful presentation of a natural phenomenon. Explain, "if aught inanimate e'er grieves". If inanimate nature, such as trees or grass, can express sorrow. Nature cannot grieve, but we appreciate the beauty of the imagery. Point out a contrast in this stanza. "This fiery mass of living valour", and "shall moulder cold and low".
Stanza VIII
What is the purpose of this stanza? It gives a summary of the preceding ones. Which stanza corresponds to line 2? Stanza I. Which corresponds to line 3? Stanzas II, III, and IV. Which stanzas picture the "marshalling in arms"? Stanzas V and VI. What stanzas picture "Battle's magnificently stern array"? Stanzas V and VII. Now contrast all these pictures with the last. The story is epitomized, and the end described—"friend, foe,—in one red burial blent!"
The pupils should now read the poem, in order that the teacher may judge by the varying tones and movements whether it has been properly appreciated.
THREE SCENES IN THE TYROL
(Fourth Reader, page 336)