How many questions are asked in the first stanza? Which of these questions is an swered by "Oh, yes''? To what do the words "such scant borders" refer? Which of the questions in the second stanza is answered by "Oh, yes''? What have you noticed about the fifth and sixth lines of each of these stanzas? What does this add to the poem? Myrtle was used by the Greeks to make a wreath for the victor in battles or in games. How does the poet use this fact? What are gyves? With what word in the preceding stanza does the word "gyves'' form a contrast? Why may sorrow be compared to gyves? What is a birthright? Whom does the poet address as "brother" in the last stanza? What is the birthright for which we should thank God? Why should the true man feel that his fatherland is worldwide? Words and Phrases for Discussion. "fatherland" ́ ́yearning”’ "'scorn'' "world-wide" 6 Men called him but a shiftless youth, In whom no good they saw; And yet, unwittingly, in truth, They made his careless words their law. 7 They knew not how he learned at all, For idly, hour by hour, He sat and watched the dead leaves fall, 8 It seemed the loveliness of things Did teach him all their use, For, in mere weeds, and stones, and springs, 9 Men granted that his speech was wise, Of his slim grace and woman's eyes, They laughed, and called him good-for-naught. 1C Yet after he was dead and gone, And e'en his memory dim, Earth seemed more sweet to live upon, More full of love, because of him. 11 And day by day more holy grew Each spot where he had trod, Till after-poets only knew Their first-born brother as a god. |