Merlin: A Poem
Merlin: A Poem is a narrative poem by Edwin Arlington Robinson, written in the early 20th century. It reimagines the legendary figure of Merlin from Arthurian lore, delving into themes of love, power, and the burdens of wisdom, particularly through Merlin's relationship with the lady Vivian and his role as advisor to King Arthur. The poem opens with Gawaine and Dagonet reflecting on Merlin's uncertain fate and potential return to Camelot, setting the stage for a complex exploration of character and circumstance that intertwines legendary past with contemporary human themes.
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“And there was no Camelot now -- now that no Queen was there, all white and gold, under an oaktree with another sunlight sifting itself in silence on her glory through the dark leaves above her where she sat, smiling at what she feared, and fearing least what most there was to fear.””
— Edwin Arlington Robinson
“Yes, there is yet one way to where she is, / Bitter, but one that faith may never miss. / Out of the grave I come to tell you this”
— Edwin Arlington Robinson
![Birds and Nature, Vol. 12 No. 1 [June 1902]illustrated by Color Photography](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fd3b2n8gj62qnwr.cloudfront.net%2FCOVERS%2Fgutenberg_covers75k%2Febook-47881.png&w=3840&q=75)
