Jason by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

This brief dramatic fragment — only three lines — features a speaker who callously condemns a group of people to starvation while also stating that ambassadors from Samaria are waiting for a meeting. It resembles a scene from a play or a longer dramatic piece, highlighting a moment of ruthless political authority. The stark contrast between the casual cruelty of "They shall stay and starve" and the formal announcement of the diplomats arriving reveals a lot about the type of ruler being depicted.

The tone feels cold and authoritative. The ruler's words lack any emotion — they are purely about command. The courtier's response is respectful and formal. Together, these two voices create a sharp dramatic contrast: power wielded without remorse, and service given without hesitation.

Longfellow crafted this piece as part of a collection that draws inspiration from classical and biblical themes. The name Jason ties it to Greek mythology—specifically Jason of the Argonauts—while the reference to Samaria hints at a Near Eastern or biblical context. This suggests that Longfellow might have been mixing different traditions or writing a dramatic monologue set in an ancient court. Throughout his career, Longfellow had a strong interest in historical and mythological topics, and short dramatic fragments like this were a popular format in 19th-century American and British poetry, often serving as excerpts from larger verse dramas. The piece captures the Victorian era's intrigue with the ancient world, reflecting ongoing questions about power, justice, and moral authority.