Elson Grammar School Literature Part 48

The poor old chaise in a heap or mound, As if it had been to the mill and ground.

You see, of course, if you're not a dunce, How it went to pieces all at once,-- All at once, and nothing first,-- Just as bubbles do when they burst.

End of the wonderful one-hoss shay, Logic is logic. That's all I say.

HELPS TO STUDY.

Notes and Questions.

How does Holmes account for the fact "that a chaise breaks down, but doesn't wear out"?

What kind of chaise did the Deacon decide to build?

On what principle did he expect to do this?

Read the lines in which the Deacon states the result of his experience with chaises.

What do you think of his reasoning?

To what besides the building of a chaise might this principle be applied?

To what does the poet compare the breaking down of the chaise?

Read lines which show the serious side of the poet's nature.

Read the lines by means of which he pa.s.ses from seriousness to jest.

Do you think Holmes expects his readers to believe this story? Give reason for your answer.

What was his purpose in writing it?

What has the reading of this poem done for you?

Words and Phrases for Discussion.

"Georgius Secundus"

"Lisbon earthquake day"

"from the German hive"

"Braddock's army"

OLD IRONSIDES

OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES

Ay, tear her tattered ensign down!

Long has it waved on high, And many an eye has danced to see That banner in the sky: Beneath it rung the battle shout, And burst the cannon's roar:-- The meteor of the ocean air Shall sweep the clouds no more!

Her deck, once red with heroes' blood, Where knelt the vanquished foe, When winds were hurrying o'er the flood, And waves were white below, No more shall feel the victor's tread, Or know the conquered knee;-- The harpies of the sh.o.r.e shall pluck The eagle of the sea!

O better that her shattered hulk Should sink beneath the wave; Her thunders shook the mighty deep, And there should be her grave: Nail to the mast her holy flag, Set every threadbare sail, And give her to the G.o.d of storms, The lightning and the gale!

HELPS TO STUDY.

Historical: Old Ironsides was the name given the frigate Const.i.tution. It was proposed by the Secretary of the Navy to dispose of the s.h.i.+p as it had become unfit for service. Popular sentiment did not approve of this. It was said a s.h.i.+p which was the pride of the nation should continue to be the property of the Navy and be rebuilt for service when needed. Holmes wrote this poem at the time of this discussion.

Notes and Questions.

Of what does the first stanza treat?

The second?

What does the third stanza tell you?

To what does "tattered ensign" refer?

What is "The meteor of the ocean air"?

What is meant by lines 15 and 16?

Where does Holmes say should be the grave of Old Ironsides? Why?

Explain lines 23 and 24.

Which lines do you like best? Why?

Words and Phrases for Discussion.

"sweep the clouds"

"conquered knee"

"mighty deep"

"vanquished foe"

"The G.o.d of storms"

"threadbare sail"

"victor's tread"

"shattered hulk"