Poet’s Corner: Coleridge–Christabel 27

10 July 2026

(24 July 2015) Last time, Bracy the Bard reported the terrible dream he had, of a snake coiled around a dove, the dove representing Christabel, and his determination that traveling to Sir Roland’s should not happen until this threat was removed,

And thence I vowed this self-same day
With music strong and saintly song
To wander through the forest bare,
Lest aught unholy loiter there.’

The Baron replies, telling Geraldine that he and her father will destroy this threat, which hints that he sees this ‘snake’ as a threat to her and to his daughter:

Thus Bracy said: the Baron, the while,
Half-listening heard him with a smile;
Then turned to Lady Geraldine,
His eyes made up of wonder and love;
And said in courtly accents fine,
‘Sweet maid, Lord Roland’s beauteous dove,
With arms more strong than harp or song,
Thy sire and I will crush the snake!’
He kissed her forehead as he spake,
And Geraldine in maiden wise
Casting down her large bright eyes,
With blushing cheek and courtesy fine
She turned her from Sir Leoline;
Softly gathering up her train,
That o’er her right arm fell again;
And folded her arms across her chest,
And couched her head upon her breast,
And looked askance at Christabel
Jesu, Maria, shield her well!

From the Baron’s actions and declaration, it is clear that he, too, is under Geraldine’s spell, whatever it is. He behaves like a school boy on meeting the pretty, new girl for the first time, when all the boys are vying for her attention, all trying to prove themselves worthy of said attention. She responds as is proper–blushing and casting her eyes down–and turns away without saying yes or no to the Baron’s actions. Instead, she turns away, looking sideways at Christabel, and, although the poet does not, at this point, tell us what look she gives to the other, his declaration, calling on Jesus and Mary to protect her, tells us that the look is threatening, or at least a reminder of who is in control, and what is at stake. Next time, we will see more of this look, and what it means for our heroine. Good reading!