# To Edward Caswall explained — Verses on Various Occasions

> Chapter companion for Verses on Various Occasions by John Henry Newman.

## What happens

Newman presents a poem to Edward Caswall as a New Year's gift, using the metaphor of a clear pool reflecting flowers to describe how Caswall's poetry mirrors angelic forms, saints, and heavenly visions, creating a heaven on earth.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nature and the Divine

The natural imagery of the pool, hawthorn, chestnut, lilac, and gorse reflects divine truths and heavenly visions.

### Transience and Eternity

The fleeting beauty of spring blossoms contrasts with the eternal 'plants of paradise' and 'visions that are sure'.

## Character check-ins

### Edward Caswall

Recipient of the poem and volume of poems; addressed as 'my Brother and my Friend'.

### Unknown

The speaker who observes the pool and reflects on Caswall's verse.

### Angels

Angel forms attending Caswall's verse.

### The Saints

Peaceful saints in whitest garments reflected in the verse.

## Key lines

> Once, o’er a clear calm pool, The fulness of an over-brimming spring, I saw the hawthorn and the chestnut fling Their willing arms, of vernal blossoms full And light green leaves: the lilac too was there, The prodigal laburnum, dropping gold, While the rich gorse along the turf crept near, Close to the fountain’s margin, and made bold To peep into that pool, so calm and clear:⁠— As if well pleased to see their image bright Reflected back upon their innocent sight; Each flower and blossom shy Lingering the live-long day in still delight, Yet without touch of pride, to view, Yea, with a tender, holy sympathy, What was itself, yet was another too.

I once saw a clear pool fed by a spring, where hawthorn, chestnut, lilac, laburnum, and gorse leaned over and admired their own reflections without pride, seeing themselves as both self and other.

_Newman uses this natural scene as a metaphor for how Caswall's poetry reflects heavenly realities._

> So on thy verse, my Brother and my Friend, —The fresh upwelling of thy tranquil spirit⁠— I see a many angel forms attend; And gracious souls elect, And thronging sacred shades, that shall inherit One day the azure skies, And peaceful saints, in whitest garments deck’d; And happy infants of the second birth:⁠— These, and all other plants of paradise, Thoughts from above, and visions that are sure, And providences past, and memories dear, In much content hang o’er that mirror pure, And recognize each other’s faces there, And see a heaven on earth.

In your poetry, I see angels, saints, and blessed souls reflected as in a mirror, recognizing one another and creating a heaven on earth.

_Newman praises Caswall's verse for its ability to reflect divine and saintly presences._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/clxxiv-to-edward-caswall
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters