As a Watch in the Night (Poem by William Hodgson Ellis)

As a Watch in the Night *

By William Hodgson Ellis

The soldier called from rest or play

    To take his post as sentinel,

To guard until the break of day

    Some sore-beleaguered citadel,

Springs to his arms with beating heart

    To take some war-worn veteran's place,

Proud to perform a soldier's part,

    Dreading what yet he dares to face.

His comrades' footsteps on his ears

    Ring fainter and fainter. Silence falls

About him. Moments seem like years,

    And loneliness his soul appals.

But when the signal rockets flare

    He strains his eyes the void to scan;

When sounds of battle fill the air

    In face of death he plays the man.

He stays where duty bids him stay,

    The boldest when he fears the most;

And Rounds, come whensoe'er they may,

    Find him alert and at his post.

Unnumbered now the moments fly

    By him whose thoughts are set upon

Each moment's task. The eastern sky

    Brightens with dawn. The night is gone.

And hark, at last he grows aware

    Of footsteps his release that tell.

Clear rings his challenge, “Who goes there?”

    “Relief!” “Advance, Relief, all's well!”

1913

Note:

* Read at the Dinner given in May, 1913, in honour of Professor van der Smissen, Professor of German in University College, Toronto, on his retirement after forty-eight years' service in the University and University College.

Poem Analysis:

William Hodgson Ellis' poem, "As a Watch in the Night," celebrates the unwavering dedication and fortitude of a sentinel standing guard at night, a duty often undertaken in times of war or siege. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, Ellis paints a portrait of a soldier who, though initially daunted by the loneliness and impending danger, remains steadfast and courageous in the face of uncertainty. This analysis delves into the poem's themes of duty, courage, and the passage of time.

Themes:

1. Duty and Sacrifice: The poem revolves around the soldier's sense of duty. He willingly accepts the responsibility of guarding the citadel, fully aware of the sacrifices and potential risks that come with it. His commitment to duty is unyielding.
2. Loneliness and Isolation: Ellis effectively conveys the loneliness and isolation experienced by the sentinel during his solitary night watch. The soldier's solitude is heightened by the passage of time, making it a central theme in the poem.
3. Courage and Resolve: The soldier's courage and unwavering resolve in the face of fear and danger are evident throughout the poem. He faces uncertainty and potential peril with fortitude, proving his dedication to his duty.
4. Temporal Perception: The poem explores how the soldier's perception of time changes during his watch. Moments seem to stretch into eternity, creating a sense of suspense and anticipation that permeates the poem.

Imagery and Literary Devices:

1. Metaphor: The central metaphor of the poem likens the soldier's vigil to that of a sentinel guarding a citadel. This metaphor is sustained throughout the poem, emphasizing the soldier's role as a protector.
2. Personification: The soldier's feelings of loneliness and fear are personified, making them palpable and relatable to the reader. The night's silence "falls about him," and moments "seem like years," creating an emotional connection.
3. Alliteration: The poem employs alliteration, as seen in phrases like "sound of battle," "moments seem," and "stays where." This device adds a rhythmic quality to the verses and underscores the soldier's inner turmoil.

Analysis:

1. Sentinel's Dedication: "As a Watch in the Night" pays homage to the dedication of sentinels who stand guard during perilous times. The soldier's readiness to protect the citadel and face danger demonstrates his commitment to his comrades and his mission.
2. Loneliness and Fear: The poem vividly captures the emotional journey of the sentinel. He initially experiences solitude, anxiety, and the elongation of time as he awaits his relief. However, he confronts these feelings with courage, exemplifying the resilience of the human spirit.
3. The Passage of Time: Ellis skillfully manipulates the perception of time in the poem. The soldier's watchful vigilance stretches moments into eternity, reflecting the psychological toll of his duty. Ultimately, the poem highlights how time, although seemingly unending, does eventually yield to the dawn of a new day.

William Hodgson Ellis' "As a Watch in the Night" celebrates the valor of sentinels who stand guard during the darkest hours. Through the themes of duty, courage, and the soldier's temporal perception, the poem underscores the resilience of the human spirit when faced with isolation and danger. It serves as a tribute to those who, like the sentinel in the poem, remain steadfast in their commitment to protect and preserve in times of adversity.