Simon Lee: The Old Huntsman by William Wordsworth - Summary

This poem written by Wordsworth brings a story of an old Huntsman dealing with old age and absence of everything he possessed in his prime days. He was gifted with great physique and speed. But in his later life, he lost not only his youth but fame, friends, animals and resources.
The narrator narrates his story and describe his encounter with the old man and aiding him and earning his praise and gratitude

Explanation

In the town of Cardigan, an old Huntsman lived for thirty-five years. He was a successful Huntsman in his time. His physique too was tall which diminished with time and now he is an old "little man". His countenance is still "red as a ripe of cherry" showing the image of his past awesomeness.

He was a productive Huntsman who never had to take agriculture work to support him. His magnificence ruled the vicinity. His horn's halloo (sound) echoed throughout hills and valleys, instructing his hounds in their pursuit of the hunt. Simon was the first-riser in the morning and brought the villagers out of sleep with his activeness.

He is known as a fast runner who could beat not only other men but animals like horse also. Besides, he is blind yet he found his joy in his hounds' growling.

Fast forward to the present, he is all alone and old age has surrounded him and stripped him of all his physical and mental vigour. Moreover, he has no adequate means and leads a impoverished life. His patron and master is gone too and his abode is inactive now. It is unfortunate for Simon as neither he has his earlier strength nor he has employment. All his companions and friends including animals - dogs and horses are long dead.

Old age has weakened his body leaving it sick and "dwindled" with time. His ankles has grown swollen and legs become thin. His only support in the world is his aged wife. Both lives "near the waterfall, / Upon the Village Common."

He has no other asset other than a piece of land near his hut. He acquired it when he was a powerful man. But this land is of no use now because, at such an old age, he can't cultivate this land.

His wife, Ruth has comparatively more strength than him. So, she works out some tasks which he is unable to do. But the difference in their energy is little and they are unable to handle heavy work with their full strength.

The narrator now addresses to the readers about the old man's falling health. His daily struggles take its toll on him. The narrator is aware of the readers' expectation of the climax of this sad tale.

He then points out that the readers are always keen on finding a story in everything. He wants to make them ponder hard about it. He further reveals that this is not a tale, it's mere attribution of readers' mind giving meaning to it and making a story out of it.

The narrator then continues the story. He reveals that he met this old man in summer. He was trying to uproot the root of an old tree with a mattock i.e an agricultural tool. The narrator notices that the old man's strength is so feeble that it would take a lifetime to unearth the root off the land.

He requests the old man to give him the tool and let him do it for him. The old man accepts his help and the narrator strike the root out in a single blow.

The old man is joyful at this help by the narrator and tears begin to flow from his eyes. He praises him and expresses his gratitude. At this, a thought crosses the narrator's mind, he ponders about the men who don't express gratitude over kindness done to them. But it is the gratitude of people that makes him mournful.