The Sands Of Dee

-Charles Kingsley

‘O Mary, go and call the cattle home,
And call the cattle home,
And call the cattle home
Across the sands of Dee;’
The western wind was wild and dank with foam,
And all alone went she.

The western tide crept up along the sand,
And o’er and o’er the sand,
And round and round the sand,
As far as eye could see.
The rolling mist came down and hid the land:
And never home came she.

‘Oh! is it weed, or fish, or floating hair,
A tress of golden hair,
A drownèd maiden’s hair
Above the nets at sea?
Was never salmon yet that shone so fair
Among the stakes of Dee.’

They rowed her in across the rolling foam,
The cruel crawling foam,
The cruel hungry foam,
To her grave beside the sea:
But still the boatmen hear her call the cattle home
Across the sands of Dee.

Line by line translation

“O Mary, go and call the cattle home,
হে মেরি, যাও, গরুগুলোকে ঘরে ডেকে আনো,

And call the cattle home,
এবং গরুগুলোকে ঘরে ফিরিয়ে আনো,

And call the cattle home
এবং গরুগুলোকে ঘরে ডেকে আনো,

Across the sands of Dee!”
ডি নদীর বালুকাময় তটভূমির ওপার থেকে!

The western wind was wild and dank with foam,
পশ্চিমের বাতাস ছিল উত্তাল ও সাগরের ফেনায় সিক্ত,

And all alone went she.
আর সে একাই রওনা হলো।

The western tide crept up along the sand,
পশ্চিম দিকের জোয়ার ধীরে ধীরে বালুর ওপর উঠে এলো,

And o’er and o’er the sand,
বারবার বালুর ওপর দিয়ে,

And round and round the sand,
এবং চারদিকে বালুর ওপর ছড়িয়ে পড়ল,

As far as eye could see.
যতদূর চোখ যায়।

The rolling mist came down and hid the land
ঘন কুয়াশা নেমে এসে ভূমিকে ঢেকে দিল,

And never home came she.
আর সে আর কখনো ঘরে ফিরে এলো না।

“Oh! Is it weed, or fish, or floating hair,
ওহ! ওটা কি সমুদ্রের আগাছা, মাছ, নাকি ভাসমান চুল,

A tress of golden hair,
সোনালী চুলের একটি গুচ্ছ,

A drowned maiden’s hair
কোনো ডুবে যাওয়া কুমারীর চুল,

Above the nets at sea?
যা সমুদ্রের জালের উপর ভেসে আছে?

Was never salmon yet that shone so fair
এত সুন্দর উজ্জ্বল কোনো স্যামন মাছ কখনো দেখা যায়নি,

Among the stakes of Dee.”
ডি নদীর খুঁটিগুলোর মাঝখানে।

They rowed her in across the rolling foam,
তারা তাকে নৌকায় করে ফেনাময় ঢেউ পেরিয়ে নিয়ে এলো,

The cruel crawling foam,
সেই নিষ্ঠুর গড়িয়ে চলা ফেনা,

The cruel hungry foam,
সেই নিষ্ঠুর, গ্রাসকারী ফেনা,

To her grave beside the sea:
সমুদ্রতীরের তার কবরের কাছে।

But still the boatmen hear her call the cattle home
কিন্তু এখনও মাঝিরা তাকে গরুগুলোকে ঘরে ডাকতে শুনতে পায়,

Across the sands of Dee.
ডি নদীর বালুকাবেলায়।

Summary of The Sands of Dee

The Sands of Dee is a tragic narrative poem by Charles Kingsley. The poem tells the story of a young girl named Mary, who is sent to bring the cattle home across the sands of the River Dee. Although the weather is dangerous, with strong winds, rising tides, and thick mist, Mary sets out alone. As the tide rises and the mist covers the land, she loses her way and drowns.

Later, people notice what appears to be strands of golden hair floating in the water and realize that it is Mary's body. The boatmen recover her and bury her beside the sea. However, according to local legend, they still hear Mary's voice calling the cattle home across the sands of Dee.

The poem highlights the power of nature, the sadness of an untimely death, and the lasting memory of Mary. Its melancholic tone and vivid imagery create a strong sense of tragedy and loss.

Theme of The Sands of Dee

The central theme of The Sands of Dee is the tragic power of nature and human helplessness before it. Mary goes out alone to bring the cattle home, but the rising tide and thick mist overwhelm her, leading to her death. The poem shows how nature can be both beautiful and deadly.

Other Important Themes

1. Death and Loss

• Mary's drowning creates a deep sense of sorrow and tragedy.
• The poem describes how a young life is suddenly cut short, emphasizing the pain of loss.

2. Loneliness

• Mary faces the dangerous journey alone.
• Her isolation makes her situation more tragic and increases the reader's sympathy for her.

3. Memory and Legend

• Although Mary dies, people continue to remember her.
• The boatmen are said to still hear her voice calling the cattle home, suggesting that memories of loved ones live on even after death.

4. The Mystery of Nature

• The mist, sea, and tide create an atmosphere of mystery and uncertainty.
• Nature is presented as a powerful force that humans cannot fully control or understand.

The Sands of Dee is a sad and moving poem that explores death, loneliness, the power of nature, and the enduring memory of a lost young girl. Through Mary's tragic fate, the poet reminds readers of humanity's vulnerability in the face of nature's forces.

The Sands of Dee - Line-by-Line Brief Explanation (English & Bangla)

Stanza 1

1. “O Mary, go and call the cattle home,”
English: Mary is asked to bring the cattle back home.
বাংলা: মেরিকে গবাদি পশুগুলোকে ঘরে ফিরিয়ে আনতে বলা হচ্ছে।

2. “And call the cattle home,”
English: The order is repeated for emphasis.
বাংলা: গুরুত্ব বোঝাতে একই নির্দেশ আবার বলা হয়েছে।

3. “And call the cattle home”
English: The speaker keeps stressing Mary's duty.
বাংলা: বক্তা মেরির দায়িত্বের ওপর জোর দিচ্ছেন।

4. “Across the sands of Dee!”
English: Mary must cross the sandy shore of the River Dee.
বাংলা: মেরিকে ডি নদীর বালুময় তটভূমি পার হতে হবে।

5. “The western wind was wild and dank with foam,”
English: The weather was stormy, wet, and dangerous.
বাংলা: আবহাওয়া ছিল ঝড়ো, স্যাঁতসেঁতে এবং বিপজ্জনক।

6. “And all alone went she.”
English: Mary set out on her journey alone.
বাংলা: মেরি একাই যাত্রা শুরু করল।

Stanza 2

7. “The western tide crept up along the sand,”
English: The sea tide slowly moved over the sand.
বাংলা: সমুদ্রের জোয়ার ধীরে ধীরে বালুর ওপর উঠতে লাগল।

8. “And o’er and o’er the sand,”
English: The water spread again and again over the sand.
বাংলা: জল বারবার বালুর ওপর ছড়িয়ে পড়ছিল।

9. “And round and round the sand,”
English: The tide covered the sand from all directions.
বাংলা: জোয়ার চারদিক থেকে বালুকে ঢেকে ফেলছিল।

10. “As far as eye could see.”
English: The water stretched as far as anyone could see.
বাংলা: যতদূর চোখ যায়, শুধু জলই দেখা যাচ্ছিল।

11. “The rolling mist came down and hid the land”
English: A thick mist covered the land and reduced visibility.
বাংলা: ঘন কুয়াশা নেমে এসে চারপাশ ঢেকে দিল।

12. “And never home came she.”
English: Mary never returned home because she drowned.
বাংলা: মেরি আর কখনো ঘরে ফিরতে পারেনি, কারণ সে ডুবে মারা যায়।

Stanza 3

13. “Oh! Is it weed, or fish, or floating hair,”
English: People wonder what the object floating in the water is.
বাংলা: মানুষ ভাবতে লাগল পানিতে ভাসমান জিনিসটি কী।

14. “A tress of golden hair,”
English: It looks like a lock of golden hair.
বাংলা: সেটি সোনালি চুলের একটি গুচ্ছের মতো দেখাচ্ছিল।

15. “A drowned maiden’s hair”
English: It seems to be the hair of a drowned girl.
বাংলা: মনে হচ্ছিল এটি কোনো ডুবে যাওয়া মেয়ের চুল।

16. “Above the nets at sea?”
English: The hair is floating over the fishermen's nets.
বাংলা: চুলগুলো জেলেদের জালের ওপর ভাসছিল।

17. “Was never salmon yet that shone so fair”
English: No salmon fish has ever looked so bright and beautiful.
বাংলা: কোনো স্যামন মাছ এত সুন্দর ও উজ্জ্বল কখনো দেখায়নি।

18. “Among the stakes of Dee.”
English: The object was seen among the fishing stakes in the Dee.
বাংলা: ডি নদীর মাছ ধরার খুঁটির মাঝে সেটি দেখা গেল।

Stanza 4

19. “They rowed her in across the rolling foam,”
English: Boatmen brought Mary's body ashore by boat.
বাংলা: মাঝিরা নৌকায় করে মেরির মৃতদেহ তীরে নিয়ে এলো।

20. “The cruel crawling foam,”
English: The sea foam is described as cruel because it caused her death.
বাংলা: মেরির মৃত্যুর জন্য সমুদ্রের ফেনাকে নিষ্ঠুর বলা হয়েছে।

21. “The cruel hungry foam,”
English: The sea is personified as if it greedily swallowed Mary.
বাংলা: সমুদ্রকে এমনভাবে দেখানো হয়েছে যেন তা মেরিকে গিলে ফেলেছে।

22. “To her grave beside the sea:”
English: Mary was buried near the seashore.
বাংলা: মেরিকে সমুদ্রের পাশে সমাহিত করা হলো।

23. “But still the boatmen hear her call the cattle home”
English: According to legend, her voice can still be heard.
বাংলা: কিংবদন্তি অনুসারে, আজও তার কণ্ঠস্বর শোনা যায়।

24. “Across the sands of Dee.”
English: Her ghostly call echoes over the sands of Dee.
বাংলা: ডি নদীর বালুচর জুড়ে যেন তার ডাক প্রতিধ্বনিত হয়।

Overall Meaning (Overall Summary)

English: The poem tells the tragic story of Mary, who went alone to bring the cattle home but was drowned by the rising tide and thick mist. It highlights the power of nature, human helplessness, and the lasting memory of the dead.

বাংলা: কবিতাটি মেরি নামের এক মেয়ের করুণ মৃত্যুর কাহিনি বর্ণনা করে। গরু আনতে গিয়ে জোয়ার ও কুয়াশার কারণে সে ডুবে মারা যায়। কবিতাটি প্রকৃতির অপ্রতিরোধ্য শক্তি, মানুষের অসহায়ত্ব এবং মৃত মানুষের স্মৃতির চিরস্থায়িত্ব তুলে ধরে।

Questions from English for Today

1. What was the weather like when Mary went out to bring the cattle home in the poem 'The Sands of Dee'?

The weather was very stormy, windy and wet. The western wind was blowing strongly with foam.

2. Look at some words, phrases and sentences that have been repeated several times in the poem 'The Sands of Dee'. Explain why the poet has done that.

The poet repeats words and phrases to create rhythm and emphasize the dangerous sea. It also makes the poem more emotional and tragic.

3. How has the poet described the sea in the poem 'The Sands of Dee'?

The poet describes the sea as rough, dangerous and cruel. Its waves and foam slowly cover the sands and create a frightening atmosphere.

4. Narrate the story of Mary in your own words.

Mary went out alone to bring the cattle home across the sands of Dee. A storm came, and the rising tide covered the land, so she drowned in the sea. Later, the boatmen found her dead body and took it to her grave.

5. Suppose, you were walking on the shore with a couple of your friends while Mary was drowning. Describe what you would have done.

I would have immediately called my friends and tried to rescue Mary. I would also have called the boatmen and other people for help.

Questions for More Practice

(a) What task was Mary given in the poem 'The Sands of Dee'?

Mary was asked to bring the cattle home. She had to cross the sands of Dee to do so.

(b) What does the phrase 'all alone went she' suggest about Mary in the poem 'The Sands of Dee'?

The phrase suggests that Mary went alone without anyone accompanying her. It also shows her loneliness and helplessness.

(c) What is the significance of the 'rolling mist' in the poem 'The Sands of Dee'?

The rolling mist covered the land and made it difficult to see anything. It increased the danger and created a mysterious atmosphere.

(d) What tragic discovery is described in the poem 'The Sands of Dee'?

The boatmen discovered a drowned maiden in their nets at sea. Her golden hair shone brightly among the waves.

(e) What lingering effect does Mary's voice have after her death in the poem 'The Sands of Dee'?

Even after Mary's death, the boatmen believe they can hear her calling the cattle home. Her voice remains as a sad memory of her tragic death.

(f) What theme does the poem 'The Sands of Dee' explore through Mary's fate?

The poem explores the themes of human helplessness, the power of nature and tragic death. It shows how nature can be dangerous and unpredictable.

(g) How does the poet use imagery to describe Mary's hair in the poem 'The Sands of Dee'?

The poet describes Mary's hair as a beautiful golden tress floating above the sea. He compares it to something shining brightly among the waves.

(h) Why is the sea described as 'hungry' in the poem 'The Sands of Dee'?

The sea is described as hungry because it takes Mary's life. The expression makes the sea seem like a cruel monster.

(i) How does the poem portray the relationship between humans and nature?

The poem shows that human beings are helpless against the powerful forces of nature. Mary's tragic death proves that nature can be dangerous and uncontrollable.

(j) What is the significance of the final line, 'Across the sands of Dee' in the poem 'The Sands of Dee'?

The final line reminds us of Mary's tragic journey and her death. It also creates a sad and haunting feeling in the poem.

(k) How does the poet create a sense of tragedy in 'The Sands of Dee'?

The poet creates tragedy through the stormy weather, rising tide, rolling mist and Mary's lonely death. The repeated call of Mary makes the poem even more sorrowful.

(l) What does 'The cruel hungry foam' signify in the poem 'The Sands of Dee'?

It signifies the destructive power of the sea that takes Mary's life. The words make the sea appear cruel and dangerous.

(m) Do you like the poem 'The Sands of Dee'? If then, why?

Yes, I like the poem because it tells a touching story of a young girl's tragic death. It also teaches us about the dangerous power of nature.

(n) Who was Mary and what happened to her according to the poem 'The Sands of Dee'?

Mary was a young girl who was asked to bring the cattle home. She drowned in the sea while crossing the sands of Dee.

(o) What did the boatmen see in their nets at sea?

The boatmen saw something that looked like weed, fish or floating hair in their nets. They discovered Mary's beautiful golden hair.

(p) What happens to Mary in the poem 'The Sands of Dee'?

Mary drowns in the sea because of the rising tide and stormy weather. Later, her dead body is taken to a grave beside the sea.

(q) Who finds Mary's dead body in 'The Sands of Dee'?

The boatmen find Mary's dead body in their nets at sea. They bring her body back to the shore.

(r) What is the significance of the boatmen in 'The Sands of Dee'?

The boatmen discover Mary's dead body and bring it back to the shore. They also keep her memory alive by hearing her call.

(s) How does the poem 'The Sands of Dee' convey the idea of loss and remembrance?

The poem shows the loss of Mary's young life through her tragic drowning. Her voice continues to live in the memories of the boatmen.

(t) What comparison is made with Mary's hair in 'The Sands of Dee'?

Mary's golden hair is compared to floating weed, fish or a beautiful golden tress in the water. It shines brightly among the waves.

(u) Who is the main character of the poem 'The Sands of Dee'? How does the poet portray the character?

Mary is the main character of the poem. The poet portrays her as a young, innocent and lonely girl who meets a tragic death.

(v) What does the 'cruel crawling foam' signify in 'The Sands of Dee'?

The cruel crawling foam represents the dangerous waves of the sea. It shows how the sea slowly moves forward and takes Mary's life.

(w) What feelings does the poem 'The Sands of Dee' create in the minds of the readers?

The poem creates feelings of sadness, fear and sympathy for Mary. It also makes readers feel the power of nature.

(x) What do the boatmen hear after Mary's death?

The boatmen hear Mary's voice calling the cattle home across the sands of Dee. Her voice seems to continue even after her death.

(y) How is Mary's hair described in the poem?

Mary's hair is described as golden and beautiful. It floats above the water and shines brightly among the sea waves.

(z) How did Mary die and where was she buried?

Mary died by drowning in the rough sea while crossing the sands of Dee. She was buried in a grave beside the sea.

(z₁) What do the boatmen hear even today amidst the sands of Dee?

The boatmen still hear Mary's voice calling the cattle home across the sands of Dee. It is a haunting reminder of her tragic death.

(z₂) Why does 'The Sands of Dee' focus on Mary's youth?

The poem focuses on Mary's youth to show the tragedy of losing an innocent young life. Her untimely death makes the story more painful.

(z₃) How was Mary's dead body discovered?

Mary's dead body was discovered by the boatmen in their fishing nets. They noticed her golden hair floating above the water.

(z₄) What lesson or message can readers learn from Mary's tragic story in 'The Sands of Dee'?

The poem teaches us to be careful and respect the power of nature. It also reminds us that nature can be dangerous and unpredictable.

(z₅) What is the significance of the last line — 'Across the Sands of Dee'?

The last line reminds readers of Mary's journey and tragic death. It creates a lasting feeling of sadness and remembrance.

(z₆) Why does the poet focus on nature's power in 'The Sands of Dee'?

The poet focuses on nature's power to show how helpless human beings are before it. The storm, rising tide and waves cause Mary's tragic death.

(z₇) Why did Mary go across the sands of Dee?

Mary went across the sands of Dee to bring the cattle home. It was the task given to her.