A.P. Herbert
The third of May! the third of May!
Hang out the Polish flag to-day;
As loyal Poles have grimly done
Since A.D. 1791.
The day they fashioned, all alone,
A Constitution of their own;
The day they threatened to be free
(Which was not quite the thing to be);
To give a voice to common men-
And that was not the fashion then.
Great Catherine (excuse a grin)
Described the Poles as ‘Jacobin’:
And bully States, on either hand,
Destroyed the laws and stole the land.
The third of May! The third of May!
And still the Poles may not be gay.
They fought the Prince of Bullies first:
But Fate, so far, rewards them worst.
Four times dismembered-never done;
Four times divided-always one;
Ungentle giants all about-
No kindly sea to keep them out.
But still, whatever tyrant reign,
The Poles resist, rebel, remain.
They lose their cities, not their souls,
The proud, unconquerable Poles:
And may the nations have the nerve
To bless the brave as they deserve!
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Analysis (AI Assisted)
This poem is a passionate, defiant tribute to the resilience and spirit of the Polish people, with particular focus on Poland’s history of struggle against oppression. The poet commemorates May 3rd, a date of historical significance for Poland—the anniversary of the Polish Constitution of 1791, which was the first modern constitution in Europe. The poem intertwines historical events with a tone of both pride and sorrow, emphasizing Poland’s persistent fight for freedom despite repeated betrayals and partitions.
The opening lines immediately announce the celebration of the third of May, urging the reader to hang out the Polish flag in recognition. The poet’s reference to this date serves as a symbolic reminder of Poland’s attempt to carve out its own path to democracy and self-rule, as seen in the adoption of the 1791 constitution. The line “Since A.D. 1791” reminds us that the spirit of resistance and the hope for freedom has endured for centuries, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
The poet gives historical context to Poland’s struggle, notably the threat posed by “Great Catherine” (Catherine the Great of Russia) and the larger powers that divided and destroyed Poland during the late 18th century. The reference to Catherine describing the Poles as “Jacobin” is an ironic jab at the way Poland’s attempts to establish a republic were viewed by its neighboring powers, which feared the rise of democratic ideals in a region traditionally ruled by monarchy and empire. The “bully States” (Russia, Austria, and Prussia) are painted as forces of repression that “destroyed the laws and stole the land,” underscoring Poland’s repeated betrayals by those who would benefit from its subjugation.
Despite the dark history of “four times dismembered” and “four times divided,” the poem’s central message is one of enduring unity and resistance. The Poles are portrayed as “always one,” even when their country was carved up by outside forces. This resilience is central to the poem’s spirit, as the poet stresses that, though Poland may lose cities and territories, it never loses its soul. The line “The proud, unconquerable Poles” sums up the theme of unyielding national pride. The poem acknowledges that Poland has suffered great hardships but also emphasizes the refusal to be broken by those hardships, maintaining a fierce independence in the face of overwhelming odds.
The poet also draws a contrast between Poland’s spirit and the “ungentle giants all about,” which refers to the powerful, often tyrannical forces that have surrounded Poland—Russia, Germany, and others. This image of Poland as a small, determined entity fighting against massive, uncaring forces is both poignant and stirring, evoking a sense of helplessness but also a deep admiration for Poland’s will to survive. “No kindly sea to keep them out” evokes the sense of Poland’s geographical vulnerability, surrounded by aggressive powers with no natural barriers to protect it.
Ultimately, the poem is a call to recognize and honor Poland’s bravery and defiance. The poet urges the nations of the world to “bless the brave as they deserve,” invoking a sense of justice that has not always been delivered to the Polish people. The final lines are a tribute to Poland’s enduring spirit and a hopeful plea for recognition of the suffering and resilience that has defined the Polish people for generations. It is a reminder that Poland’s history of resistance, even when its territory and autonomy were stripped away, should be remembered and celebrated.
The tone of the poem balances sorrow and pride, encapsulating both the tragedy of Poland’s repeated partitions and the unbreakable resolve of the Polish people. Through historical allusions and vivid language, the poem elevates May 3rd, not just as a commemoration of a specific event, but as a broader symbol of Polish perseverance and the fight for freedom. The poet’s blend of historical reference and emotional appeal makes this a moving tribute to Poland’s past, present, and future.