Charles Harpur is considered Australia's first significant poet. Largely neglected, he wrote the first sonnet sequence ever published in Australia in the 19th century.
Harpur’s “The Battle of Life” is a didactic poem that goes against the grain of many modernist and post-modernists who disdain the very thought of a poet giving any kind of moral advice. Nevertheless, the poem offers a useful attitude that can help life strugglers meet their challenges.
The poem consists of four five-line-stanzas, each with the rime scheme, ABAAB. The speaker is addressing a younger man, offering advice to help the younger person in weathering the storms of life.
The “battle” is not an ordinary battle as in war, but rather the battles everyone encounters in meeting the challenges of life. The battlefield is used as a metaphor for life’s struggles.
First Stanza: “Never give up, though life be a battle”
The speaker begins right way to give commands, advising the young man, “Never give up.” Even though life is tough, and you may not win at first, you must keep fighting. Even those who are right and are fighting for “true causes” may not succeed at first. But only “cowards” tremble at the “thunders of chance”; they “rattle” like “cattle.”
But victory is “always the bride of the bold.” You certainly cannot win, if you give up. The speaker metaphorically describes success or “victory” as a bride to be won.
Second Stanza: “Armed in your right-though friendship deny you”
Continuing his uplifting encouragement and use of the battlefield metaphor, the speaker advises the young man to “count not your loss,” despite the possibility of losing friends. He tells the lad to “Bear the brunt like a man,” and if he does so, his strength and courage will enhance his nature.
Through constant vigilance and perseverance, the young man’s ideals will become “more noble” than they were in the beginning.
Third Stanza: “Rail not at Fate: if rightly you scan her”
Next, the speaker commands the young man to “rail not at Fate.” Cursing bad circumstances is a waste of energy and time. Instead, he should simply persevere because “There’s none loves more strongly the heart that endures.”
A hero always shows a “calm resolute manner.” He keeps his hope alive, and if he lives or makes it through each hardship, he will be stronger for each struggle won.
Fourth Stanza: “Be this your faith; and if killing strokes clatter”
The battlefield metaphor is strongest in the final stanza. The speaker places the young man on horse fighting as in war: “if killing strokes clatter / On your harness.” The speaker is preparing the young man to face the worst: if you are facing sure death, face it with courage as all “true men before you” have done.
He reminds him to “Fight on” even if he is spilling blood. He must “Fight on” and show that he is brave. Even if it is the end, he should show a “Brave end of the struggle if nothing beside.” Even if he dies, if he dies bravely, he will die a hero.
