"Sweet Swan of Avon! What a sight it were
To see thee in our waters yet appear,
And make those flights upon the banks of Thames,
That so did take Eliza and our James!" Ben Jonson, Shakespeare's Avon
Swans are associated with beauty, fidelity and strength. Shakespeare refers to swans in many of his plays. He suggests in Othello that they sing before they die.
"I will play the swan, and die in music."
Swans have been on the Avon for centuries. Once eaten as delicacies at special feasts, but thankful not anymore.
A bit of trivia: Henry III decreed all Swans to be Royal in 1246.
This one is trying to scare off the Canada Geese even though it looks so beautiful all puffed up.
The community of Stratford still cares for the birds. There is a Swan Management Committee to promote the health and welfare of the Stratford swans. The result of this positive endeavour means there are about 50 adult swans on the river each day and about three pairs breed every year.
They are so cherished that they are on the Coat of Arms of the city of Stratford-Upon-Avon.
"All heaven was one blue background for the grace of Avon's beautiful, slow-moving swan."
Ella Wheeler Wilcox, On Avon's Breast I saw a Stately Swan
The swans congregate near and around the Clopton Bridge. It is a majestic arch bridge with 14 pointed spans over the River Avon, built in 1480 by the Saxons.
"Hey....your not a swan what the heck are you doing in my blog?"
No comments:
Post a Comment