The Song of the Sword, and Other Verses

audiobook

The Song of the Sword, and Other Verses

by William Ernest Henley

EN·~44 minutes·5 chapters

Chapters

5 total
1

The Song of the Sword

0:07
2

THE SONG OF THE SWORD and other verses

0:19
3

THE SONG OF THE SWORD (To Rudyard Kipling)

4:12
4

LONDON VOLUNTARIES (To Charles Whibley) - I

14:10
5

RHYMES AND RHYTHMS - I

25:49

Description

A soaring tribute to the power of the blade, this collection opens with a dramatic, rhythmic ode that likens the sword to a living voice—its clang a summons to destiny, its edge a forge for honor and conquest. The verses cascade through mythic imagery, from primordial battles to the lofty ideals of heroism, weaving together the raw clangor of combat with a lyrical reverence for sacrifice. Through vivid language the poet paints the sword as both creator and destroyer, a symbol that shapes empires and tests the mettle of those who wield it.

Beyond the opening hymn, the anthology continues to explore the tension between violence and virtue, offering a rich tapestry of reflections on duty, glory, and the fleeting nature of triumph. Each poem balances fierce intensity with moments of quiet contemplation, inviting listeners to hear the echo of ancient war drums while pondering the timeless questions of why we fight. The result is an immersive, resonant experience that feels both epic and intimately human.

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Details

Language

en

Duration

~44 minutes (42K characters)

Publisher of text edition

Project Gutenberg

Release date

2008-01-18

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the author

William Ernest Henley

William Ernest Henley

1849–1903

Best known for the unforgettable poem Invictus, this English writer turned personal hardship into some of the most stirring lines in Victorian literature. He was also an energetic editor and critic who helped shape the literary world around him.

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