Question

Softly, 0 softly we bear her along, She hangs like a star in the dew of our song; She springs like a beam on the brow of the tide, She falls like a tear from the eyes of a bride. Lightly, O lightly we glide and we sing, We bear her along like a pearl on a string.

Answer 1

Reference : This is the second or concluding stanza of the poem ‘The Palanquin Bearers’ composed by Sarojini Naidu.

Context : In these lines the poetess describes how the ordinary people are satisfied with their ordinary work. They work hard and get joy in it. This poem is about the four men who are carrying a palanquin and singing a song with joy.

Explanation : The palanquin bearers say that they are going on their journey very joyfully and are singing a song. The palanquin is looking beautiful like a star in the dew drops. It appears shining like a ray of the light shining on the dancing waves of the sea. They put it on the ground very gently as the tears fall from the eyes of a bride. They carry it along gently like the pearls on a string. Thus by singing a song, the palanquin bearers want to escape from the weariness of the journey.