Question

AWAKE, Aeolian lyre, awake,
And give to rapture all thy trembling strings,
From Helicon's harmonious springs
A thousand rills their mazy progress take:
The laughing flowers, that round them blow,
Drink life and fragrance as they flow.​

Answer 1

This stanza is taken from an exceptional poem called "The Progress of Poesy " written by Thomas Gray. It is also known as "A Pindaric Ode"

Explanation:

• The poet starts by setting the mood right for this ode. He uses musical notes and devices for this purpose. He wants his glory and his harp or flute to rise and end their sleep. Aeolian lyre refers to a song, strings of a musical instrument, and the puff of flute.

• The main character of the poem unites with Pinder while smiling. He elaborates how poetry gives life and glow to everything it touches. He thinks poetry enhances the beauty of his surroundings.

• Even if the subject is barren or dry, poetry will make lush again. This whole process of transformation appears to be very irresistible. He gives the example of swoln how they ran away because of their troubling desires.

• He uses natural imagery in this ode and describes a luxurious life surrounded by flowers and fragrance.