Comments on: The Highwayman - “… the trigger at last was hers.”

By: Karen Rice

Karen Rice — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:10:58 +0000

Wow - good catch!! There is a HUGE difference between “at least” or “at last.”

I’ve never read this poem before. Sorry I haven’t been by in a while.

By: Trish

Trish — Sun, 04 May 2008 20:31:41 +0000

When “at least” was used, I always perceived it as meaning that up to that point, Bess had no control over the situation — she had not been able to stop the red-coats from entering the inn, drinking the ale, doing who-knows-what-else to her father (the poem does not reveal what became of him), and binding and gagging her. However, by getting hold of the trigger, at least she could regain control by firing the musket and thereby warning the highwayman to stay away from the inn and seek shelter elsewhere. Of course, Bess would know that to fire the musket would mean her death — but she is not necessarily resigned to it. She is willing to sacrifice her life for that of her love.

It is an interesting premise, though, and I think I actually prefer the use of “at last”.

By: Reely

Reely — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:22:18 +0000

I appreciate your explanation of the use of least, Trish. Turns out, I think, that it “reely” most likely is least. I found a youtube with Alfred Noyes himself reciting the poem and he says “least” (see link below). I would think that if it was last, and the copy he was reading from said least, he would notice.

Funny, how often this poem is taken as the ultimate romance -

Noyes, on the other hand, reads it like a scary fireside ghost story at camp!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYtgmLdDkg0&feature=related

I still prefer the use of “at last” too, since I still think it depicts Bess’ desperation better. Sigh!