History apart, for I do not question the historic truth of this, for it
could be true a thousand times I think, this is a cleverly constructed
piece, Grasshopper.
I will not say it has not been done before, but certainly it is the first
time I have seen the sonnet and the dramatic monologue married in this way.
Given the definition of each there does not appear to be any reason why it
should not be done, but still, for me, a first.
The sonnet appears to be exact, I am no counter of syllables, you
understand, but the enjambment and caesura are so used that the iambic
patterns appear as normal speech, and therein is the cleverness to be
admired.
The timing of the piece, hinting that a fight has just that moment ended
and the last line hinting at continuation of the invasion, is well done.
You have resisted the temptation to use obsolete language modes but still
the vocabulary sets the time scene admirably.
Thank you for a good morning's read. Arthur.---- Original Message -----
From: "grasshopper" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2003 7:54 PM
Subject: New sub: Aftermath
> Aftermath
>
> Enough. I have no stomach to defame
> his memory. The man died well. Set men to prise
> the blazons from the walls and doors. My name
> will over-write his wealth, my lordly rise
> will soon rub out his lineage and his line.
> Bring in my hounds, my hawks, install my pages.
> Unlock his stores, uncask his finest wine,
> unchain his chests to pay my army's wages.
>
> My sword is stained with blood, indeed. No, leave
> it so. They say good brands must drink their fill
> before they sleep. That steel was forged to cleave
> the armour of my foes, to carve and kill.
>
> His family? Safe passage to the North,
> except that one fair daughter -bring her forth.
>
> (grasshopper)
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