Moses On The Nile
By Victor Hugo
"Sisters! the wave is freshest in the ray
Of the young morning; the reapers are asleep;
The river bank is lonely: come away!
The early murmurs of old Memphis creep
Faint on my ear; and here unseen we stray, —
Deep in the covert of the grove withdrawn,
Save by the dewy eye-glance of the dawn."
"Within my father's palace, fair to see,
Shine all the Arts, but oh! this river side,
Pranked with gay flowers, is dearer far to me
Than gold and porphyry vases bright and wide;
How glad in heaven the song-bird carols free!
Sweeter these zephyrs float than all the showers
Of costly odors in our royal bowers."
"The sky is pure, the sparkling stream is clear:
Unloose your zones, my maidens! and fling down
To float awhile upon these bushes near
Your blue transparent robes: take off my crown,
And take away my jealous veil; for here
To-day we shall be joyous while we lave
Our limbs amid the murmur of the wave."
"Hasten; but through the fleecy mists of morn,
What do I see? Look ye along the stream!
Nay, timid maidens — we must not return!
Coursing along the current, it would seem
An ancient palm-tree to the deep sea borne,
That from the distant wilderness proceeds,
Downwards, to view our wondrous Pyramids."
"But stay! if I may surely trust mine eye, —
It is the bark of Hermes, or the shell
Of Iris, wafted gently to the sighs
Of the light breeze along the rippling swell;
But no: it is a skiff where sweetly lies
An infant slumbering, and his peaceful rest
Looks as if pillowed on his mother's breast."
"He sleeps — oh, see! his little floating bed
Swims on the mighty river's fickle flow,
A white dove's nest; and there at hazard led
By the faint winds, and wandering to and fro,
The cot comes down; beneath his quiet head
The gulfs are moving, and each threatening wave
Appears to rock the child upon a grave."
"He wakes — ah, maids of Memphis! haste, oh, haste!
He cries! alas! — What mother could confide
Her offspring to the wild and watery waste?
He stretches out his arms, the rippling tide
Murmurs around him, where all rudely placed,
He rests but with a few frail reeds beneath,
Between such helpless innocence and death."
"Oh! take him up! Perchance he is of those
Dark sons of Israel whom my sire proscribes;
Ah! cruel was the mandate that arose
Against most guiltless of the stranger tribes!
Poor child! my heart is yearning for his woes,
I would I were his mother; but I'll give
If not his birth, at least the claim to live."
Thus Iphis spoke; the royal hope and pride
Of a great monarch; while her damsels nigh,
Wandered along the Nile's meandering side;
And these diminished beauties, standing by
The trembling mother; watching with eyes wide
Their graceful mistress, admired her as stood,
More lovely than the genius of the flood!
The waters broken by her delicate feet
Receive the eager wader, as alone
By gentlest pity led, she strives to meet
The wakened babe; and, see, the prize is won!
She holds the weeping burden with a sweet
And virgin glow of pride upon her brow,
That knew no flush save modesty's till now.
Opening with cautious hands the reedy couch,
She brought the rescued infant slowly out
Beyond the humid sands; at her approach
Her curious maidens hurried round about
To kiss the new-born brow with gentlest touch;
Greeting the child with smiles, and bending nigh
Their faces o'er his large, astonished eye!
Haste thou who, from afar, in doubt and fear,
Dost watch, with straining eyes, the fated boy —
The loved of heaven! come like a stranger near,
And clasp young Moses with maternal joy;
Nor fear the speechless transport and the tear
Will e'er betray thy fond and hidden claim,
For Iphis knows not yet a mother's name!
With a glad heart, and a triumphal face,
The princess to the haughty Pharaoh led
The humble infant of a hated race,
Bathed with the bitter tears a parent shed;
While loudly pealing round the holy place
Of Heaven's white Throne, the voice of angel choirs
Intoned the theme of their undying lyres!
"No longer mourn thy pilgrimage below —
O Jacob! let thy tears no longer swell
The torrent of the Egyptian river: Lo!
Soon on the Jordan's banks thy tents shall dwell;
And Goshen shall behold thy people go
Despite the power of Egypt's law and brand,
From their sad thrall to Canaan's promised land."
"The King of Plagues, the Chosen of Sinai,
Is he that, o'er the rushing waters driven,
A vigorous hand hath rescued for the sky;
Ye whose proud hearts disown the ways of heaven!
Attend, be humble! for its power is nigh
Israel! a cradle shall redeem thy worth —
A Cradle yet shall save the widespread earth!"
Dublin University Magazine, 1839
Poem Analysis:
"Moses on the Nile" by Victor Hugo is a poetic rendition of the biblical story of Moses' rescue from the river Nile. The poem captures the essence of maternal compassion, divine providence, and the triumph of justice over oppression. Through vivid imagery and emotive language, Hugo delves into the complexities of human nature and the timeless themes of redemption and liberation.
Imagery of the River Nile: The Nile, depicted as a symbol of life and power, serves as the backdrop for Moses' miraculous rescue. Its mighty currents represent the forces of fate and destiny that shape the lives of the characters in the poem. Hugo's evocative descriptions of the river create a sense of awe and reverence, emphasizing its significance in the unfolding drama of Moses' life.
The Compassionate Princess: Iphis, the princess of Memphis, emerges as the embodiment of compassion and empathy in the poem. Her decision to rescue Moses, a Hebrew child condemned by her father's decree, reflects her innate sense of justice and humanity. Hugo portrays her as a figure of grace and beauty, whose noble actions challenge the prejudices and injustices of society.
Themes of Divine Intervention: The poem explores themes of divine intervention and providence as Moses is saved from the perilous waters of the Nile. Hugo emphasizes the role of fate and destiny in shaping Moses' destiny, highlighting the miraculous circumstances surrounding his rescue. The angelic voices proclaiming redemption and liberation foreshadow Moses' future role as the deliverer of the Israelites from bondage.
Symbolism of Motherhood: The image of Iphis cradling Moses in her arms symbolizes the universal bond of motherhood and the power of maternal love to transcend barriers of race and class. Through her selfless act of compassion, Iphis assumes the role of a surrogate mother to Moses, embodying the divine qualities of nurturing and protection.
Prophecy and Hope: The poem concludes with a prophetic vision of Israel's liberation and redemption. The voices of angel choirs herald the coming of a savior who will lead the Israelites to freedom, signaling the fulfillment of divine promise and the triumph of righteousness over oppression. Hugo imbues the poem with a sense of hope and optimism, envisioning a future where justice prevails and the oppressed find deliverance.
In conclusion, "Moses on the Nile" by Victor Hugo is a timeless exploration of faith, compassion, and divine providence. Through its rich imagery and poignant narrative, the poem celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love and redemption. Hugo's masterful storytelling and profound insights into the human condition make "Moses on the Nile" a compelling testament to the enduring themes of faith, justice, and liberation.
