Classic Book Reader
Cover of Richard Coeur de Lion and Blondel

Richard Coeur de Lion and Blondel

by Charlotte Brontë (1816–1855)

  • Free to read
  • 5 min read
  • Reading level: 8th & 9th grade

"Richard Coeur de Lion and Blondel" by Charlotte Brontë is a poetic work that reflects on historical themes and the nature of longing and freedom, composed in the early 19th century. This piece is likely inspired by the legends surrounding King Richard I of England and his faithful minstrel Blondel, focusing on themes of love, captivity, and chivalry. The book showcases Brontë's lyrical prowess while diving into the emotional experiences of the characters, particularly highlighting their struggles and aspirations in a feudal context. The narrative centers on the character of Blondel, a wandering minstrel who sings beneath the castle walls, hoping to reach the imprisoned King Richard. Through his music, he expresses sorrow and longing, while Richard, trapped in a dungeon, responds with his own reflections on despair and yearning for freedom. Their interconnected songs reveal a poignant bond between the king and the minstrel, emphasizing ideals of loyalty and heroism. Ultimately, the tale culminates in Richard's eventual release from captivity and the celebration of his return, representing the triumph of spirit and the enduring power of friendship and hope in the face of adversity.

Read free now No app, no sign-up. Your place is saved automatically. Or download for your e-reader ↓
  • English poetry · 19th century

Read the opening

1833 All that is written in this book, must be in a good, plain and legible hand. P.B.

Richard Coeur de Lion [1]
and Blondel

The blush, the light, the gorgeous glow of Eve
Waned from the radiant chambers of the west;
Now, twilight's robe, dim, orient shadows weave:
One star, gleams faintly lustrous, in the east;
Far down it shines, on the blue Danube's breast,
As calmly, wavelessly its waters glide
On to th' appointed regions of their rest,
The Sea, profound and hoary, waste and wide;
Whose black'ning billows swell in ever restless pride.

High o'er the river rose a rocky hill,
With barren sides, precipitous, and steep:
There, 'gainst the sunset heav'ns, serene, and still
Frown'd the dark turrets of a feudal Keep.
Its folded flag, hung in the air asleep;
The breathless beauty of the Summer night
Gave not that Austrian standard, to the sweep [2]
Of fresh'ning Zepyr, or wild Storm-blast's might;
But motionless, it drooped, in eve's soft, dying light

Keep reading Richard Coeur de Lion and Blondel →

Download for your e-reader

Files are provided by Project Gutenberg. On a Kindle, the simplest route is to send the EPUB with Amazon’s Send to Kindle. Downloaded copies don’t sync with your place on Classic Book Reader.

About this edition

This free edition of Richard Coeur de Lion and Blondel by Charlotte Brontë comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #53747, released 2016-12-16. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Poetry, Mythology, Legends & Folklore, British Literature.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

More by Charlotte Brontë