Poetry · Chapter
George Rolleston explained
A meditation on death and resurrection, comparing George Rolleston's passing to the biblical story of the maid whom Jesus raised, asserting that he is not truly dead but has undergone a second birth and transformation while still retaining
What happens
A meditation on death and resurrection, comparing George Rolleston's passing to the biblical story of the maid whom Jesus raised, asserting that he is not truly dead but has undergone a second birth and transformation while still retaining love for the earth.
Themes in this chapter
Redemption and Grace
The poem presents death as a 'second birth' and a loving transformation, emphasizing grace and renewal.
Divine Fatherhood
God is portrayed as 'life's great father' who leads and raises his child, reinforcing the theme of divine paternal care.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Referenced as the saving God who stood over the maid and declared 'She is not dead but sleepeth.'
- God
Described as 'life's great father' who leads and raises the child.
Key passages
“George Rolleston Dead art thou? No more dead than was the maid Over whose couch the saving God did stand— 'She is not dead but sleepeth,' said, And took her by the hand!”
George Rolleston, are you dead? No more dead than the girl over whom Jesus stood, saying she was only sleeping, and then took her hand.
The poet denies Rolleston's death by comparing it to the biblical raising of Jairus's daughter.
“Thee knowledge never from Life’s pathway wiled, But following still where life’s great father led, He turned, and taking up his child, Raised thee too from the dead, O living, thou hast passed thy second birth, Found all things new, and some things lovely strange; But thou wilt not forget the earth, Or in thy loving change!”
Knowledge never led you away from life's path; you followed where God led, and He raised you from the dead. You have undergone a second birth, finding all things new and some wonderfully strange, yet you will not forget the earth in your loving transformation.
The poet describes Rolleston's death as a resurrection and spiritual rebirth, while affirming his continued connection to earthly love.