vitaelampada


 * __Vitae Lampada (The Torches of Life) - Sir Henry Newbolt__**

This poem was written by Sir Henry Newbolt, born in Bilston, Staffs in 1862. It is a poem that echoes the fair play that defines the English, no matter how far from the Old Country.

Newbolt’s reputation was established in 1897 with this poem written about a schoolboy cricketer who grows up to fight in Africa, //Vitae Lampada//. There, in the panic of battle the boy is stirred to heroic action by schooldays memories: “his Captain’s hand on his shoulder smote - / Play up! Play up! And play the game!” “Play up! Play up! And play the game!” – words that have become famous through the years - symbolised Newbolt’s view that war should be fought in the same spirit as school sports. The poem was well received both critically and publicly at the time, and his work underwent a further revival at the outbreak of the First World War, when optimism was high; however as gloom set in, Newbolt’s verse consequently suffered in popularity.

There's a breathless hush in the close to-night Ten to make and the match to win A bumping pitch and a blinding light, An hour to play, and the last man in. And it's not for the sake of a ribboned coat. Or the selfish hope of a season's fame, But his captain's hand on his shoulder smote "Play up! Play up! And play the game!"

The sand of the desert is sodden red- Red with the wreck of the square that broke The gatling's jammed and the colonel dead, And the regiment blind with dust and smoke. The river of death has brimmed its banks, And England's far and Honor a name, But the voice of a schoolboy rallies the ranks- "Play up! Play up! And play the game!"

This is the word that year by year, While in her place the school is set, Every one of her sons must hear, And none that hears it dare forget. This they all with joyful mind And bear through life Eke a torch in flame, falling fling to the host behind- "Play up! Play up! And play the game!"