The Birthright
We who were born
In country places,
Far from cities
And shifting faces,
We have a birthright
No man can sell,
And a secret joy
No man can tell.
For we are kindred
To lordly things,
The wild duck's flight
And the white owl's wings;
To pike and salmon,
To bull and horse,
The curlew's cry
And the smell of gorse.
Pride of trees,
Swiftness of streams,
Magic of frost
Have shaped our dreams:
No baser vision
Their spirit fills
Who walk by right
On the naked hills.
Commentary
I grew up in rural Missouri and this evokes happy memories, especially now that I am stuck in a sprawling subruban environment. I like the usage of the short lines and traditional Welsh imagery to bring forth the beauty and joys of rural life.
As for the poetess, Eiluned Lewis (1900-1979) was born at Newtown, Montgomeryshire. She became a journalist and was assistant editor of The Sunday Times, 1931-36. Her novel Dew on the Grass (1934) won the Gold Medal of the Book Guild.
— Dave Fortin
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From the Wondering Minstrels mailing list, 1999–2008.
Philip Wall · 20 October 2003
I am searching for the name of the composer of the music set to the words by Eiluned Lewis, which begin “We who were born in country places”, and my internet has come up with the layout for this e-mail.
If you can let me have any information about the song, and, if possible, who was the publisher of it, I shall be very grateful.
Yours sincerely, Philip Wall.
Rosalie Shipp · 4 March 2005
I just borrowed this poem to use on a birthday card.
It has such nice thoughts. The card was made for someone who grew up in rural Mississippi.
Good to see it out on the web. I was searching for it’s publish date.
Kathy Harrigan · 1 June 2005
Philip Wall,
I find you on a google search and wonder if you are Philip Wall, son of Julia and Russel Hughes? I am Kathy Harrigan, daughter of Norma Locander, Julia’s neice and hope to make contact with you, if, indeed, you are this man. Kathy Harrigan
IT Department · 21 July 2005
This was our school song at Brockhill County Secondary, Saltwood, Kent, UK. In the 60’s when I was there the grounds were huge and included a lake. Back then it was farmland and agriculture played a part in our education - I believe it’s now a park given over to public access and farming is no longer on the curriculum. I suppose that’s progress. I’d certainly forgotten most of the lyrics - thanks for the nostalgia trip!
Regards,
Geoff Lewis
Head of Information Technology
tel:
Information Technology Dept. Mildmay Mission Hospital · 4 September 2007
Hmmm… didn’t realise the author has my surname!! This was the school song of Brockhill County Secondary School, Saltwood, Hythe, Kent, UK
I attended 1966 - 69. Headmaster at the time was Jack Setterfield, who I assume choose this as the school song (is Jack’s name spelt correctly??). Anyone got the music score?
The school grounds are now parkland and open to the public and, like this poem, were beautiful but I haven’t been back there in years.
Regards,
Geoff Lewis