Near the altar laid,
Sleeps the child in shadow
Of his mother's bed:
Softly he reposes,
And his lid of roses,
Closed to earth, uncloses
On the heaven o'erhead.
Many a dream is with him,
Fresh from fairyland,
Spangled o'er with diamonds
Seems the ocean sand;
Suns are flaming there,
Troops of ladies fair
Souls of infants bear
In each charming hand.
Oh, enchanting vision!
Lo, a rill upsprings,
And from out its bosom
Comes a voice that sings
Lovelier there appear
Sire and sisters dear,
While his mother near
Plumes her new-born wings.
But a brighter vision
Yet his eyes behold;
Roses pied and lilies
Every path enfold;
Lakes delicious sleeping,
Silver fishes leaping,
Through the wavelets creeping
Up to reeds of gold.
Slumber on, sweet infant,
Slumber peacefully
Thy young soul yet knows not
What thy lot may be.
Like dead weeds that sweep
O'er the dol'rous deep,
Thou art borne in sleep.
What is all to thee?
Thou canst slumber by the way;
Thou hast learnt to borrow
Naught from study, naught from care;
The cold hand of sorrow
On thy brow unwrinkled yet,
Where young truth and candor sit,
Ne'er with rugged nail hath writ
That sad word, "To-morrow!"
Innocent! thou sleepest —
See the angelic band,
Who foreknow the trials
That for man are planned;
Seeing him unarmed,
Unfearing, unalarmed,
With their tears have warmed
This unconscious hand.
Still they, hovering o'er him,
Kiss him where he lies,
Hark, he sees them weeping,
"Gabriel!" he cries;
"Hush!" the angel says,
On his lip he lays
One finger, one displays
His native skies.
Poem Analysis:
"The Watching Angel" by Victor Hugo is a poignant exploration of innocence, childhood, and the protective presence of guardian angels. Through vivid imagery and emotive language, Hugo crafts a lyrical portrayal of a sleeping child enveloped in dreams and watched over by celestial beings.
Imagery of Innocence: The poem opens with a serene scene of a child sleeping near the altar, surrounded by the comforting shadow of his mother's bed. Hugo employs gentle and tender imagery to depict the child's innocence, emphasizing his peaceful slumber and the purity of his soul untouched by the cares of the world.
Dreamlike Fantasies: The child's dreams are portrayed as enchanting visions filled with fairy-tale elements and magical imagery. Hugo describes suns flaming, troops of fair ladies, and lakes with silver fishes, evoking a sense of wonder and imagination. These dreams symbolize the innocence and boundless imagination of childhood, where reality blends seamlessly with fantasy.
Guardian Angels: Central to the poem is the theme of guardian angels watching over the child as he sleeps. Hugo depicts the angels as benevolent beings who foresee the trials and challenges that lie ahead for humanity. Their tears of empathy and protection reflect their deep compassion for the innocence and vulnerability of the child.
Protection from Sorrow: The child's slumber represents a state of blissful ignorance, shielded from the harsh realities of life and the burdens of tomorrow. Hugo contrasts the child's peaceful rest with the complexities and sorrows of adulthood, highlighting the transient nature of innocence and the inevitability of worldly trials.
The Angel's Comfort: In the final stanza, the child awakens to see the angels weeping, and he cries out for Gabriel. The angel hushes him and gently reminds him of his heavenly origins, offering solace and reassurance in the face of uncertainty. This moment captures the tender connection between humanity and the divine, where the presence of angels provides comfort and guidance in times of need.
In conclusion, "The Watching Angel" by Victor Hugo is a poignant meditation on the innocence of childhood and the protective presence of guardian angels. Through its rich imagery and spiritual themes, the poem invites readers to contemplate the timeless mysteries of faith, love, and divine providence. Hugo's lyrical verses resonate with a sense of wonder and reverence, reminding us of the enduring power of innocence and the transcendent beauty of the human soul.