A Traveller From An Antique Land
Introduction
"A Traveller From An Antique Land" is a famous poem written by Percy Bysshe Shelley in 1818. The poem is about a traveller who meets a statue in the desert and marvels at its grandeur. The statue tells the traveller its story, which is one of a once-great king who is now forgotten. The poem is known for its beautiful language and its themes of the transience of power and the beauty of art.
The Traveller
The poem begins with the traveller wandering through the desert. He is tired and thirsty, and he longs for some sign of life. As he walks, he sees a statue in the distance. The statue is massive and beautiful, and it seems to glow in the sunlight. The traveller is intrigued by the statue and he approaches it cautiously.
The Statue
The statue is an ancient king, who ruled over a great empire many centuries ago. The king was powerful and respected, and his people loved him. The statue tells the traveller that he was once a great king, but now he is forgotten. The traveller is amazed by the statue's story, and he wonders how such a great king could be forgotten.
The King's Story
The statue tells the traveller the story of the king's rise to power. The king was a great leader, and he led his people to many victories. He built great cities and temples, and his people lived in peace and prosperity. But over time, the king became corrupt and selfish. He cared more about his own power than he did about his people, and he began to oppress them.
The Fall of the King
The king's people grew tired of his tyranny, and they rebelled against him. The king's armies were defeated, and he was forced to flee. He wandered the desert alone, and eventually he died. His people forgot about him, and he became nothing more than a legend. But the statue remains, a testament to the king's former glory.
The Traveller's Reflections
The traveller is moved by the statue's story, and he reflects on the transience of power and the importance of art. He realizes that all things must pass, but that great art can endure for centuries. He marvels at the beauty of the statue, and he is grateful for the opportunity to hear its story.
Conclusion
"A Traveller From An Antique Land" is a poem about the transience of power and the beauty of art. The poem's themes are still relevant today, and its language is still beautiful and powerful. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of art, and it is a reminder that all things must pass, but that great art can endure for centuries.
