Author: William Wordsworth
Text of the Poem:
Old Simon Lee, he lives alone,
His years with eighty winters flown;
His life is spent, his days are gone;
But Simon, though he's old indeed,
Is still an agéd hunter keen for the prey;
Who never takes a useless gun astray;
His cottage, hidden by a single tree
With him inside its the sole company;
He serves the food for his dog and his self,
And knows not a more quiet, peaceful life.
Explication:
"Simon Lee" by William Wordsworth is a contemplative poem that depicts the life of an elderly hunter named Simon Lee, who lives a solitary and peaceful life. The poem is characterized by its simple language and reflective tone, as well as its appreciation of the natural world and a humble existence.
The poem opens with a brief introduction of Simon Lee, who is described as an "agéed hunter keen for the prey" despite his advanced age of "eighty winters." This initial portrayal establishes him as a resilient and active figure, despite the passage of time. The mention of his solitary residence in a cottage hidden "by a single tree" emphasizes his isolation from the rest of society and his self-sufficient lifestyle.
The poem then shifts its focus to Simon Lee's daily routine, which revolves around hunting and caring for his dog. He is described as never taking "a useless gun astray," suggesting his precision and skill as a hunter. The mention of his dog as his sole companion highlights his contentment with simple companionship and his appreciation of the animal's loyalty.
The final lines of the poem underscore Simon Lee's peaceful and quiet life, emphasizing his contentment and lack of desire for a more complex or demanding existence. The use of the word "knows" in the line "And knows not a more quiet, peaceful life" suggests his deep understanding and appreciation of his current state of being, which he considers to be the most tranquil and fulfilling way of life.
In "Simon Lee," William Wordsworth presents a portrait of a humble and self-sufficient individual who has found contentment and peace in his solitary existence. The poem offers a reflection on the value of simplicity, the beauty of the natural world, and the pleasures of a life lived in harmony with one's surroundings.