ng this. Remember that the man has
gained the mastery of himself.)

What is meant by "blows of circumstance"? What
were some of these difficulties?

What does the action-word "breasts" suggest:
(1) about the character of these difficulties,
(2) about the character of the man? Explain
"grapples with his evil star". What is the
allusion? Tell, in the poet's own words, what
this "evil star" was. Imagine this man
grappling with it. What term do boys often use
for a similar action? Which is going to win
this wrestling match? Give reasons, from what
the man has already done, for thinking that he
will win. What does this action show about his
belief in luck?

What do the action-words in this stanza suggest
about the man's character? What sounds in each
of the words help to emphasize this grim
determination?

State briefly the relation of the thought of
this stanza to that of the first.

Stanza III

What effect did the man's early struggles have
on his mental power and character? What does
Tennyson call this increased energy and
strength of character? He calls it "force".
Now, explain "makes by force his merit known".

What position in the gift of the nation do the
next three lines show that he gained at last?
What words indicate the emblem of the Premier's
power?

"Clutch the golden keys." What does this action
suggest as to his character? What word is
generally used to denote such determination to
gain power and influence? What makes such
ambition lawful? What use does Tennyson show
this man made of his ambition? What is meant by
"mould a mighty state's decrees"? As Premier,
to whom would it be his duty to give advice?

The people know that the sovereign must act on
the advice of his ministers, of whom the
Premier is the most influential; but they
believe that the judgment of the sovereign
often modifies and improves this advice. To the
nation, this influence of the sovereign is a
silent force, but, like the silent forces in
nature, they believe it to be powerful.

In what words does Tennyson express this mutual
influence of