Simon Lee, the Old Huntsman by William Wordsworth (Poem, Summary, Paraphrase & Analysis)

 

Simon Lee, the Old Huntsman

by William Wordsworth

(Poem, Summary, Paraphrase & Analysis) 

Simon Lee, the Old Huntsman

In the sweet shire of Cardigan,

Not far from pleasant Ivor-Hall,

An old man dwells, a little man,—

’Tis said he once was tall.

Full five-and-thirty years he lived

A running huntsman merry;

And still the centre of his cheek

Is red as a ripe cherry.

 

No man like him the horn could sound,

And hill and valley rang with glee

When Echo bandied, round and round,

The halloo of Simon Lee.

In those proud days he little cared

For wind or weather, rain or hail;

And ’steed’ he was a horseman good,

And there is no man like him could sit a horse.

 

But now he is so old and poor,

No man knows what to do;

His heart is still so strong, but it’s

His limbs that fail him too.

And he is lean and he is sick,

His body’s bowed with age;

His heart is firm, his spirit brave,

But he can’t support the stage.

 

He has no son, he has no child,

His wife, an aged crone,

Lives with him still, in yonder hut;

And he is all alone.

When I had gazed upon his face,

A thought came on my mind:—

I’ve seen this face before, I said,

He once was not so blind.

 

My gentle Reader, I perceive

How patiently you've waited,

And now I fear that you expect

Some tale will be related.

O Reader! had you in your mind

Such stores as silent thought can bring,

O gentle Reader! you would find

A tale in every thing.

 

What more I have to say is short,

And you must kindly take it:

It is no tale; but should you think,

Perhaps a tale you’ll make it.

One summer day I chanced to see

This Old Man doing all he could

About the root of an old tree,

A stump of rotten wood.

 

The mattock tottered in his hand;

So vain was his endeavour

That at the root of the old tree

He might have worked for ever.

"You’re overtasked, good Simon Lee,

Give me your tool," to him I said;

And at the word right gladly he

Received my proffered aid.

 

I struck, and with a single blow

The tangled root I severed,

At which the poor Old Man so long

And vainly had endeavoured.

The tears into his eyes were brought,

And thanks and praises seemed to run

So fast out of his heart, I thought

They never would have done.

 

—I've heard of hearts unkind, kind deeds

With coldness still returning;

Alas! the gratitude of men

Hath oftener left me mourning.

 

Summary

Stanza 1–2:

The poem introduces Simon Lee, an old man living in Cardigan, near Ivor-Hall. He is small and aged now, but the speaker tells us he was once tall and strong. Simon was a huntsman for over 35 years and well-known for his cheerful spirit and hunting skills, particularly his horn-blowing and riding abilities. The sound of his horn would echo through the hills and valleys, bringing joy and excitement to those around him.

 

Stanza 3–4:

Though once energetic and active, Simon is now old, poor, and frail. His body has deteriorated—his limbs are weak and his frame is bent—but his heart remains strong. He still has the desire to work and live with dignity, though physically, he can barely manage.

 

Stanza 5:

Simon has no children to help or care for him. He lives in a small hut with his elderly wife, who is also too old to do much. Their circumstances are hard, and they live in isolation and poverty.

 

Stanza 6:

The speaker notices Simon’s appearance and recognizes his face, remembering that Simon was once a vigorous man. This realization causes the speaker to reflect on how much Simon has declined with age.

 

Stanza 7–8:

The speaker breaks the flow to speak directly to the reader. He acknowledges that the reader might expect a dramatic story or a tale, but he clarifies that the poem is about a simple moment. He suggests that even simple things in life can contain a story, especially for those who take time to reflect.

 

Stanza 9–10:

The speaker describes a specific moment: he saw Simon working hard, trying to cut through the root of an old tree stump with a mattock (a digging tool). Simon's effort was ineffective—he was too weak to make progress, and the task seemed impossible for him.

 

Stanza 11–12:

Moved by the sight, the speaker offered to help. Simon was grateful and handed over the tool. With one strong blow, the speaker cut through the root, accomplishing what Simon had failed to do despite his long effort.

 

Stanza 13:

Simon was so deeply moved by the help that he began to shed tears. His gratitude poured out in such abundance that the speaker was surprised by how strongly Simon responded to this small act of kindness.

 

Stanza 14 (Final):

The poem ends with the speaker’s reflection: he has heard of people who respond to kindness with indifference, but Simon’s overflowing gratitude reminded him how deep and genuine human feeling can be. Ironically, it is this intense emotion—not the lack of it—that left the speaker quietly sorrowful, or “mourning.”

 

Line-by-line Paraphrase

1. In the sweet shire of Cardigan,

 In the beautiful county of Cardigan,

 

2. Not far from pleasant Ivor-Hall,

 Not too far from the lovely house called Ivor-Hall,

 

3. An old man dwells, a little man,—

 There lives an old man who is small in stature—

 

4. ’Tis said he once was tall.

 People say he used to be tall in his younger days.

 

5. Full five-and-thirty years he lived

 He spent thirty-five full years of his life

 

6. A running huntsman merry;

 Happily working as a huntsman who ran with the hounds;

 

7. And still the centre of his cheek

 Even now, the middle of his cheek

 

8. Is red as a ripe cherry.

 Is as bright red as a ripe cherry.

 

9. No man like him the horn could sound,

 No one could blow the hunting horn as well as he could,

 

10. And hill and valley rang with glee

 The hills and valleys echoed joyfully with the sound

 

11. When Echo bandied, round and round,

 As the echo bounced back and forth,

 

12. The halloo of Simon Lee.

 Repeating Simon Lee’s hunting cry.

 

13. In those proud days he little cared

 Back then, he didn’t worry much

 

14. For wind or weather, rain or hail;

 About the weather—whether it was windy, rainy, or hailing;

 

15. And ’steed’ he was a horseman good,

 He was also a fine rider of horses,

 

16. And there is no man like him could sit a horse.

 No one could ride a horse as skillfully as he could.

 

17. But now he is so old and poor,

 But now he is old and poor,

 

18. No man knows what to do;

 People don’t know how to help him,

 

19. His heart is still so strong, but it’s

 His heart is still strong and willing, but

 

20. His limbs that fail him too.

 His body—his arms and legs—are too weak.

 

21. And he is lean and he is sick,

 He is thin and unhealthy,

 

22. His body’s bowed with age;

 His back is bent from old age;

 

23. His heart is firm, his spirit brave,

 But his heart is steady and his spirit remains brave,

 

24. But he can’t support the stage.

 Yet he can no longer manage life’s burdens.

 

25. He has no son, he has no child,

 He doesn’t have a son or any children,

 

26. His wife, an aged crone,

 His wife is an old, withered woman,

 

27. Lives with him still, in yonder hut;

 She still lives with him in a nearby hut;

 

28. And he is all alone.

 But he is basically alone and helpless.

 

29. When I had gazed upon his face,

 When I looked closely at his face,

 

30. A thought came on my mind:—

 A thought occurred to me—

 

31. I’ve seen this face before, I said,

 I said to myself, “I’ve seen this face before,”

 

32. He once was not so blind.

 He didn’t used to look so old and worn out.

 

33. My gentle Reader, I perceive

 Dear Reader, I can tell

 

34. How patiently you've waited,

 That you’ve been patiently reading along,

 

35. And now I fear that you expect

 And now I worry that you’re expecting

 

36. Some tale will be related.

 That I’m about to tell you a dramatic story.

 

37. O Reader! had you in your mind

 O Reader! If your mind held

 

38. Such stores as silent thought can bring,

 The quiet thoughts and memories that reflection brings,

 

39. O gentle Reader! you would find

 Then, gentle Reader, you would realize

 

40. A tale in every thing.

 That everything in life contains a story.

 

41. What more I have to say is short,

 I only have a little more to say,

 

42. And you must kindly take it:

 And I hope you will accept it kindly:

 

43. It is no tale; but should you think,

 It’s not a full story—but if you choose,

 

44. Perhaps a tale you’ll make it.

 You might imagine a tale from it.

 

45. One summer day I chanced to see

 One summer day, I happened to see

 

46. This Old Man doing all he could

 This old man working as hard as he could

 

47. About the root of an old tree,

 Trying to cut or dig up the root of an old tree,

 

48. A stump of rotten wood.

 Which was just a rotten stump.

 

49. The mattock tottered in his hand;

 The digging tool shook in his weak hands;

 

50. So vain was his endeavour

 His efforts were so hopeless

 

51. That at the root of the old tree

 That he could have kept trying to break that root

 

52. He might have worked for ever.

 Forever, and still never succeeded.

 

53. "You’re overtasked, good Simon Lee,

 “You’re working too hard, good Simon Lee,” I said,

 

54. Give me your tool," to him I said;

 “Let me take your tool and help,”

 

55. And at the word right gladly he

 And immediately, with joy, he

 

56. Received my proffered aid.

 Accepted my offer to help.

 

57. I struck, and with a single blow

 I struck the root, and with just one blow

 

58. The tangled root I severed,

 I cut through the twisted root,

 

59. At which the poor Old Man so long

 Which the poor old man had been working at for so long

 

60. And vainly had endeavoured.

 Without any success.

 

61. The tears into his eyes were brought,

 Tears welled up in his eyes,

 

62. And thanks and praises seemed to run

 And his words of thanks and praise flowed

 

63. So fast out of his heart, I thought

 So quickly from his heart that I thought

 

64. They never would have done.

 He would never stop thanking me.

 

65. —I've heard of hearts unkind, kind deeds

 I’ve heard about people with cold hearts, who repay kind deeds

 

66. With coldness still returning;

 With coldness or no gratitude in return;

 

67. Alas! the gratitude of men

 But oh! sometimes the gratitude of people

 

68. Hath oftener left me mourning.

 Has often left me sad and thoughtful instead.

 

Analysis in Detail

William Wordsworth’s “Simon Lee, the Old Huntsman” is a deceptively simple poem that explores themes of aging, human dignity, compassion, and the power of everyday human experiences. First published in Lyrical Ballads (1798), this poem exemplifies Wordsworth’s poetic mission: to elevate the ordinary and humble aspects of life through deep emotional and moral reflection. Rather than focusing on dramatic or heroic events, Wordsworth draws attention to a brief, seemingly insignificant encounter between the speaker and an elderly man, revealing profound truths about life, kindness, and emotional depth.

 

The Character of Simon Lee

At the center of the poem is Simon Lee, an aged former huntsman who once thrived in the vigor of youth. The opening stanzas paint a nostalgic picture of Simon’s past: he was strong, swift, and joyful—famed for his hunting skills and spirited horn-blowing. He symbolized physical vitality and rural energy. Now, however, Simon is a shadow of his former self. The poem portrays him as poor, frail, and bent with age. Despite this, Wordsworth emphasizes that Simon’s spirit remains unbroken; his heart is still strong, and he attempts to work hard, even when his body fails him.

This portrayal invites readers to feel both sympathy and admiration. Simon is not a tragic hero, but an everyday man whose decline mirrors the natural passage of time. His situation reflects the universal human experience of aging and the quiet struggle to maintain dignity when one's strength and usefulness seem to fade.

 

Ordinary Event, Extraordinary Impact

The poem centers on a minor act: the speaker helps Simon dig up a tree root he had been struggling with. At first glance, this gesture seems inconsequential, but it carries deep emotional weight. Simon is moved to tears—not because of the physical help itself, but because of the rare kindness it represents. His overflowing gratitude highlights a human need for recognition, help, and compassion, especially in old age and poverty.

What is striking is the intensity of Simon’s reaction. The speaker, moved by his outpouring of thanks, reflects on how such deep gratitude has left him "mourning." This reaction is subtle and complex—it is not joy, but a quiet sorrow. The speaker has witnessed a raw and sincere human emotion, something so rare and touching that it leaves him introspective and somewhat saddened. Wordsworth suggests that it is not grand actions, but simple moments of kindness that reveal the depth of human feeling.

 

Narrative Voice and Direct Address

A unique feature of the poem is the narrative shift in the middle stanzas. The speaker breaks the fourth wall and speaks directly to the reader. He anticipates the reader’s expectation of a dramatic tale and admits that what he offers is no such story. This self-awareness emphasizes Wordsworth’s belief in the poetic value of the ordinary. He invites the reader to look deeper, to recognize that every moment and every person carries a story, even if it lacks conventional excitement.

This direct address also functions as a kind of meta-commentary. Wordsworth subtly educates his audience on how to read poetry differently—not for sensational plots, but for emotional truths and moral insights that arise from real, often overlooked experiences.

 

Themes and Philosophical Undertones

Several central themes emerge in the poem:

Aging and Loss of Vitality: Simon Lee’s physical deterioration serves as a meditation on aging. The poem mourns not just the loss of strength but also the loss of social value that often accompanies old age, especially for the working poor.

Dignity and Labor: Simon insists on working despite his weakness. His effort to dig up the root is symbolic of his desire to remain useful and independent. His pride and perseverance embody a quiet dignity.

Human Compassion: The speaker’s brief assistance, though small in action, becomes monumental in emotional value. It reflects the transformative power of compassion—how a kind act can deeply affect someone who has rarely received help.

Uncommon Gratitude: Simon’s tears and praises reveal that he is unaccustomed to kindness. The poem highlights a sad reality: that acts of help can be so rare that they overwhelm the recipient, especially among the forgotten members of society.

Reflection on Humanity: The final lines contrast Simon’s gratitude with the “hearts unkind” who respond coldly to kindness. The speaker is left “mourning” not because Simon was ungrateful, but because his rare thankfulness reveals the emotional neglect in the world. It’s a quiet lament about how society treats its most vulnerable.

 

Form and Style

The poem is written in ballad form, using quatrains with an ABAB rhyme scheme. This structure reflects Wordsworth’s commitment to plain language and traditional verse, aligning with his aim to make poetry accessible to ordinary people. The rhythm and tone are gentle and conversational, reinforcing the sincerity of the moment described.

Wordsworth’s language is simple but precise. He avoids ornate metaphors and instead relies on clear imagery and emotional resonance. The contrast between Simon’s past and present is subtly constructed, and the emotional climax—Simon’s gratitude—is understated but powerful.

 

Conclusion

“Simon Lee, the Old Huntsman” is not a tale of great events but a meditation on human vulnerability, silent suffering, and the beauty of small mercies. Wordsworth challenges readers to find meaning in modest experiences and to value the emotional depth hidden in ordinary lives. The poem stands as a testament to Wordsworth’s belief that poetry should reflect real life, real people, and real feelings. In showing us Simon Lee, Wordsworth also shows us ourselves—aging, needing, capable of both giving and receiving grace.