Don Rodrigo (Poem by Victor Hugo)

"Don Rodrigo" by Victor Hugo is a compelling narrative that explores the consequences of betrayal and the relentless pursuit of vengeance.
the Old Poems

Don Rodrigo
By Victor Hugo

"Don Roderique est à la chasse"

Unto the chase Rodrigo's gone,
With neither lance nor buckler;
A baleful light his eyes outshone —
To pity he's no truckler.

He follows not the royal stag,
But, full of fiery hating,
Beside the way one sees him lag,
Impatient at the waiting.

He longs his nephew's blood to spill,
Who 'scaped (the young Mudarra)
That trap he made and laid to kill
The seven sons of Lara.

Along the road — at last, no balk —
A youth looms on a jennet;
He rises like a sparrow-hawk
About to seize a linnet.

"What ho!" "Who calls?" "Art Christian knight,
Or basely born and boorish,
Or yet that thing I still more slight —
The spawn of some dog Moorish?

"I seek the by-born spawn of one
I e'er renounce as brother —
Who chose to make his latest son
Caress a Moor as mother.

"I've sought that cub in every hole,
'Midland, and coast, and islet,
For he's the thief who came and stole
Our sheathless jewelled stilet."

"If you well know the poniard worn
Without edge-dulling cover —
Look on it now — here, plain, upborne!
And further be no rover.

"Tis I — as sure as you're abhorred
Rodrigo — cruel slayer,
'Tis I am Vengeance, and your lord,
Who bids you crouch in prayer!

"I shall not grant the least delay —
Use what you have, defending,
I'll send you on that darksome way
Your victims late were wending.

"And if I wore this, with its crest —
Our seal with gems enwreathing —
In open air — 'twas in your breast
To seek its fated sheathing!"


Poem Analysis:

Victor Hugo's poem, "Don Rodrigo," presents a dramatic and intense narrative that revolves around themes of vengeance, betrayal, and confrontation. Set against a backdrop of simmering hatred, the poem explores the relentless pursuit of retribution by the protagonist, Rodrigo, as he confronts a figure from his past.

  1. The Pursuit of Revenge: The poem opens with Rodrigo embarking on a chase with a burning desire for revenge. He is described as having a "baleful light" in his eyes, signifying his unwavering determination to exact vengeance upon an adversary. His pursuit is driven by an intense hatred, and he is depicted as unyielding and pitiless.
  2. Escaping the Trap: Rodrigo's anger is directed towards his nephew, Mudarra, who managed to escape a trap set by Rodrigo to kill the seven sons of Lara. This betrayal and escape have fueled Rodrigo's desire for revenge. The poem explores the idea of treachery within familial bonds and the consequences it brings.
  3. The Encounter: As Rodrigo continues his quest, he encounters a youth on a horse. The youth's presence is described with predatory imagery, comparing him to a sparrow-hawk about to capture its prey. This encounter sets the stage for the climactic confrontation between Rodrigo and the object of his hatred.
  4. Revealing the Truth: The dialogue between Rodrigo and the youth reveals their identities and their shared history. Rodrigo accuses the youth of being the offspring of a Moorish woman, a grave insult in his eyes. He also accuses him of theft, specifically the theft of a jeweled stiletto.
  5. The Ultimatum: The poem reaches its climax when the youth, who is revealed to be Mudarra, confronts Rodrigo directly. Mudarra displays the stolen jeweled stiletto as proof of his innocence and dares Rodrigo to attack him. Rodrigo is given an ultimatum: defend himself or accept his guilt and fate.

"Don Rodrigo" by Victor Hugo is a compelling narrative that explores the consequences of betrayal and the relentless pursuit of vengeance. It delves into the depths of human emotions, portraying Rodrigo as a character consumed by hatred and Mudarra as one who seeks justice and confronts his accuser fearlessly. The poem serves as a reflection on the themes of revenge and betrayal and underscores the enduring power of confrontation in the face of adversity.

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