Q3 of 22 Page 103

The rhyme scheme of the first stanza is ab, ab- (numbers rhyme with slumbers and dream, with rhyme)

In the second stanza earnest rhymes with returnest and goal with soul hence the rhyme scheme is ab, ab.


Now, write the rhyme scheme of the other stanzas.


In the third stanza, the word ‘sorrow’ rhymes with ‘morrow’ and the word “way” with “to-day”. Hence the rhyme scheme is ab, ab.

In the fourth stanza, the word “fleeting” rhymes with “beating”. The word “brave” also rhymes with the word “grave”. Hence the rhyme scheme is ab, ab again.


In the fifth stanza, the word “battle” rhymes with “cattle” and the word “life” is made to rhyme with “strife”. The rhyme scheme is the same as above – ab, ab.


In the sixth stanza, the word “pleasant” rhymes with “present” and the word “dead” is rhyming with “o’erhead”. Hence the rhyme scheme followed is ab,ab again.


In the seventh stanza, the words “remind us” and “behind us” are rhyming, and so are “sublime” and “time”. The rhyme scheme here is ab, ab again.


The eighth stanza has the rhyming words “another” and “brother”, and “main” and “again”, with the rhyme scheme ab,ab.


The last stanza of the poem has the words “doing” and “pursuing” that rhyme with each other, as well as the words “fate” and “wait”. The rhyme scheme followed is ab, ab.


Hence, all the stanzas of the poem follow the rhyme scheme of ab, ab.


More from this chapter

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1

You have to address the morning assembly. On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. On the basis of this poem, prepare a speech on the topic "Lives of great men are an inspiration to move forward...!"

Work in groups of four. Discuss the topic and take notes. The following points could form part of your discussion:


• Great men do not treat life in an insignificant way.


• Their life is full of actions done in the present.


• They always lead ('Be not like dumb, driven cattle)


• They do not look back, they don't worry about the future.


• 'Be a hero in strife'.


Write the speech using appropriate language.


(You could give example of great men/women of India.)


• Each group should present a speech in the morning assembly.


2

Read the meaning and the pronunciation-phonetic transcription indicated against the words

Psalm /sa:lm/: a song or poem in praise of God esp. one of those in the Bible.


Psalmist / sa:lmist/ : a writer of psalms.


bivouac /bivu-aek/: a camp without tents.


sublime /sae'blaim/ causing deep feelings of wonder, joy.


Consult a dictionary and find out the meanings and phonetic transcription of the following: hymn, choir, sanctum-sanctorum, deity


1

Do you believe that actions that leave their footprints on the 'sands of time' ought to be emulated? Substantiate with examples from real life.

2

"But to act, that each tomorrow

Find it farther than today"


In these lines the poet conveys a sense of urgency and importance of action in the present time which would help him evolve himself? Substantiate the poet's point of view with your own experiences of Life.