sable destroyers of human rights
This is such a strong line that struck me in the heart because that is exactly how I would have described slave owners. It is crazy how slavery was so normalized and how people were not seen or treated as humans and yet so many people had slaves and treated them horribly, stripping them of their rights as humans altogether.
On a signal given,(as the beat of a drum
The use of simile in this line draws attention to an act that hold such heinous intent while comparing it to the beat of a drum, which typically beat to your heart rate, is truly cruel.
When I looked round the ship too and saw a large furnace or copper boiling, and a multitude of black people of every description chained together, every one of their countenances expressing dejection and sorrow, I no longer doubted of my fate; and, quite overpowered with horror and anguish, I fell motionless on the deck and fainted. When
The beautiful use of imagery in this passage utilizes diction to create a feeling of utter despair. You can feel the fear slowly creeping up as he is awaiting his fate.
These last are chiefly used by betrothed virgins, who play on them on all grand festivals.
The idea of virginity and the sanctions behind it have been deeply buried into the foundation of our culture, which seemingly still leaves an imprint in our current day society. It is crazy how such a strange sexual stigma has constantly employed a certain thought process throughout the decades and is either celebrated or shunned depending on wether or not a woman still has her virginity. As embedded as this idea is in our society, it seemingly only applies to women, yet doesn't play any role for men.
slender observation
The diction used here is interesting as I had never heard an observation described as "slender". Perhaps it is hinting to his lack of knowledge on certain subjects so his view of this is through a small lens. Simply put, it could mean something similar to having a closed mind, not due to pure ignorance but just a lack of knowing.
but my teachableness, civility, and cleanliness, astonished him; which were qualities altogether opposite to those animals.
The parallels created by comparing him to the Yahoos distinguishes a feeling of clear divide between respect. The his master compares them to animals in quite a nasty metaphor claiming them to be quite the opposite of humans, creating somewhat of a hierarchy.
I twisted three of the iron bars together, bending the extremities into a hook.
the number three has been held in extreme significance in English literature as it commonly correlates to the Holy Trinity. That being said the act of twisting three iron bars together could be considered as the highest form of reinforcement possibly holding significance as it carries the whole defensive force in its hands.
The empire of Blefuscu is an island, situate to the north northeast of Lilliput,
Blefuscu is to France as Lilliput is to England
fomented
instigate or stir up (an undesirable or violent sentiment or course of action). "they accused him of fomenting political unrest"
However, in my opinion, it was extremely prudent, as well as generous; for, supposing these people had endeavored to kill me with their spears and arrows, while I was asleep, I should certainly have awaked with the first sense of smart, which might so far have roused my rage and strength, as to have enabled me to break the strings wherewith I was tied; after which, as they were not able to make resistance, so they could expect no mercy.
In terms of syntax I believe this to be a huge run on sentence as his thoughts never seem to end and keep trailing into the next thought. These thoughts progressively seem to become more and more intricate as if he was coming up with a fantasy, letting his mind endlessly wander like a curious and imaginative child. This creates quite a playful and whimsical tone.
for my conscience would not suffer me to imitate the bad practice of too many among my brethren.
The personification of his conscious to me is kind of funny in an ironic way because in a way a conscience is part of ones personality so this reads in quite a whimsical tone for me personally. This also seems to allude to the high rales of malpractice that was very common back then and even is still to this day.
I feel life gliding from my eyes and heart; and if I make not haste, I shall fall a victim to the shameful whip
The personification of life gliding from his eyes and heart bring a slick touch to the actions being sought out.
consecrate
make or declare (something, typically a church) sacred; dedicate formally to a religious or divine purpose.
As soon as they approached him, they venerated and esteemed him; his eyes insensibly commanded respect, and his behavior insinuated it into every soul. So that there was nothing talked of but this young and gallant slave, even by those who yet knew not that he was a prince.
These are strong lines that when simply put remind us to not judge someone by their looks. Even then, he still holds his head high and catches the eyes of those around him.
gallantry
courageous behavior, especially in battle.
Tis not to be imagined the surprise and grief that seized the lovely maid at this news and sight. However, as delays in these cases are dangerous, and pleading worse than treason; trembling, and almost fainting, she was obliged to suffer herself to be covered and led away.
It is evident that the acts that are about to unravel are horrendous and unfathomable by anyone by the way fear unveils itself throughout these three lines. I can feel the trembling fear through the words used to describe the situation and I can feel the tension build as it will soon explode at any particular moment.
They have a native justice, which knows no fraud; and they understand no vice, or cunning, but when they are taught by the white men. They have plurality of wives; which, when they grow old, serve those that succeed ’em, who are young, but with a servitude easy and respected; and unless they take slaves in war, they have no other attendants.
These lines brings about a hostile tone towards white men of the time saying how they have no morals and are very selfish, using people and women at their own leisure. Because of that, they see people as easily replaceable and have no real bonds or connections with people due to their abrupt nature and lack of empathy and understanding of anyone but their own selfish selves.
Then for little paraketoes, great parrots, mackaws, and a thousand other birds and beasts of wonderful and surprising forms, shapes, and colors. For skins of prodigious snakes, of which there are some threescore yards in length; as is the skin of one that may be seen at his Majesty’s Antiquary’s; where are also some rare flies, of amazing forms and colors, presented to ’em by myself; some as big as my fist, some less; and all of various excellencies, such as art cannot imitate. Then we trade for feathers, which they order into all shapes, make themselves little short habits of ’em and glorious wreaths for their heads, necks, arms, and legs, whose tinctures are unconceivable.
This reminds me of the colorful little markets where people would sell exotic animals and crafts and where crime was rampant. The artistry and culture of merchants was quite shady at most but was utilized as one of the greatest communication and bartering systems of its time. Often times merchants knew more about society than most as they travel and network with each other and with other civilians.
Imperial Room of State appear’d most magnificent; it was paved with green Diamonds (for there are in that World Diamonds of all Colours) so artificially, as it seemed but of one piece; the Pillars were set with Diamonds so close, and in such a manner, that they appear’d most Glorious to the sight; between every Pillar was a Bow or Arch of a certain sort of Diamonds, the like whereof our World does not afford;
The beautiful imagery creates such a mystical and elegant feel to this Imperial city. I can't help but imagine Asgard or some make believe place in the clouds. There is an outworldly beauty that seems to reside here that mere mortals cannot obtain.
Cloyster
: a place where monks or nuns live : a monastery or convent. : a covered path or hall with arches that is on the side of a building (such as a monastery or church) and that has one open side usually facing a courtyard
not acquainted with Foreign Wars or Home-bred Insurrections
Also seems like a passive aggressive low-blow at the men in society at the time
; the men were of several Complexions, but none like any of our World; and when both the Boats and Ships met, they saluted and spake to each other very courteously;
Upon reading this line it makes it seem like the men of our world aren't anywhere near as courteous as these "out-worldly" men. This somewhat hints to the vulgarity of men during this time constantly inciting violence and projecting their fragile masculinity onto others.
whither to steer their course; so that the Vessel, both by its own leightness, and the violent motion of the Wind, was carried as swift as an Arrow out of a Bow, towards the North-pole, and in a short time reached the Icy Sea,
This sharp use of imagery through simile creates a violent and intrusive feel furthering the idea that they definitely do not belong there nor are they welcome.
A Merchant travelling into a foreign Country, fell extreamly in Love with a young Lady; but being a stranger in that Nation,
Right off the bat, I noticed the unique syntax and capitalization of various words that usually would not be capitalized as they are not nouns. The creates an emphasis and rhythm to the structure of this piece breathing life into it through the ebb and flow of the sentence structure.
Open thine eies, that thou the truth mai’st see, Doe not the thing that goes against thy heart; Condemne not him that must thy Sauiour be;
People are often too stuck to their own skewed ideas to even consider actually seeing things as what they are. The bias that resides within people has been so great that the don't even acknowledge their own hypocrisy to their religion, seeing things only as they see fit and changing the narrative to fit their ideas.
Or he that barred from the Suns bright light, Wanting daies comfort, doth comend the night.
The parallelism in these lines creates a contrast between light and dark, comfort and lack thereof. In my mind this creates a feeling of conflict of two ideas or perspectives. There is the light which may be the feminist perspective and then there is the dark where the patriarchy rules clouding the judgement of those who fall victim to it, unable to see the light on the other side and recognize that there is even any light at all. Some are so consumed by the darkness that they become too comfortable with it and refuse to see what could also be out there and in this case, it is the light.
Unlesse my Glasse were chrystall, or more cleare:
I see this as a beautiful combination of both alliteration and imagery to create a "crystal clear" image for the reader (hahaha). There is a flow that exists, creating strokes with words that are quite simple yet strikingly vivid and precise.
With all the Artists at your becke and call; The Syluane Gods, and Satyres euery one,
This line creates a sense of mystical beauty that cannot be achieved by mortal beings. It gives me a sense of envy that she is so beautiful and sought after that anyone and anything would want to be associated with her and be in her presence.
Monster, your fairy, which you say is a harmless fairy, has done little better than played the Jack with us.
To me this seems like a twinge of irony because fairies are typically seen as fragile, tiny, and weak but here they have discovered that they have definitely underestimated it. Such a tiny thing being seemingly a monster.
signories
"In English law, seignory or seigniory, is the lordship remaining to a grantor after the grant of an estate in fee simple. " Which gives me a though that this could've given meaning to the word seniority which gives the rights to the oldest in the room, which I found very interesting!
Of thee, my dear one, thee, my daughter, who Art ignorant of what thou art, nought knowing Of whence I am, nor that I am more better Than Prospero, master of a full poor cell, And thy no greater father.
This feels like something my I have learned about my parents growing up. You never know in the moment what they are trying to do and how they are trying to protect you, you just see things at face value and get upset when the outcome isn't exactly as you had expected. But as i got older, I realized everything they did was for the sake of my own good, or what they believed it to be. Not only that, but that parents aren't perfect either which is what I believe Prospero is trying to convey to his daughter Miranda, or hint at it at least.
You are a counsellor: if you can command these elements to silence, and work the peace of the present, we will not hand a rope more. Use your authority: if you cannot, give thanks you have lived so long, and make yourself ready in your cabin for the mischance of the hour, if it so hap.
Although he does hold the master close to him, he's aware that he does have a job and if he doesn't pull his end of the fulfill his purpose with the powers he has been given. And if he doesn't do what he is supposed to, he may as well roll over and die any moment.
The spirits tell me they can dry the sea,
This is an interesting line because the sea will really never be dry because it is constantly being fed by the water of the earth. This expression makes me feel like such thing will never happen. Spirits are nifty creatures who never truly tell the truth so it does not surprise *me that they said such a ironic statement or claim.
Lapland giants,
"Lapland, the conventional name for the region, is derived from Lapp, the name Scandinavians ascribed to the Sami people, who have sparsely inhabited the region for several thousand years. ... Farther to the east, Finnish Lapland (Lappi) is a relatively low-lying region with many bogs and small lakes. "(Brittanica)
ruminates
Definition of ruminate. transitive verb. 1 : to go over in the mind repeatedly and often casually or slowly. 2 : to chew repeatedly for an extended period.
These metaphysics of magicians, And necromantic books are heavenly;
These lines truly create a sense of irony because no sense of physics resides in magic and no sense of necromancy is even depicted or expressed in any heavenly sense.
waxen wings
this alliteration creates a flow that feeds into itself further creating imagery that further depicts images of angels. The Waxen wings create a false sense of reality and reminds me of the wax figures that imitate real life in a way to impress others. With the wax sheen creating a false sense of shiny realness that others can perceive as real, it masquerades the false sense of security that often others see as reality only because they want to see it as so.
That we may live body and soul together. Thereto help the Trinity,
This ends with a message of unity, that everyone in this will all become one and rejoice in the end as one being to help the holy trinity.
thither
to or toward that place.
And now little sorrow for me doth he take. It is said, in prosperity men friends may find,
This line particularly stood out to me because although this was written so long ago, the message of this line still resonates to this day. No matter how sad we are, friends will always be there to help us and bring us up.
For it is God’s commandment That all to me should be obedient.
I found this line so interesting because death is one of the hardest things to cope with. Religion revolves around the idea of life after death so we never really consider that it is God's commandment for us to die. It is also quite interesting that Death said that everyone should be obedient to him because although that is true, I never thought of it in this way. The use of personification old the attribute of death allows us to see the idea of death in a different light that we would usually consider because to me he is a skeleton with a scythe and a weird black coat.
Yea, sir, I will show you; In great haste I am sent to thee From God out of his majesty.
Death was sent to everyman by God to teach him a lesson and show him the truth of what the world truly has to offer.
And thereto I had them all elect; But now I see, like traitors deject,
These two lines seem to parallel each other in both structure and meaning. The two ending words rhyme creating a flow that depicts a battle not only between words but also between meaning. At first these lines do seem to run parallel to each other but with further inspection, it could be said that they are actually running parallel against each other.
That’s to be parted here among us three.
I have often realized the presence of the number 3 in old literature as the idea of a holy trinity has still proven extent to this day. The pairing of threes has always maintained not only a religious but also a historical theme throughout literature. It commonly resembles a group of importance or conflict that is to come.
When drunk, as he sat on his bench upright; An unseen thief, called Death, came stalking by,
It seems as if the act of being drunk oneself always leads to something unexpected. Every time someone is drunk they say or do things that do not mean.
Now that I’ve drunk a draught of musty ale, By God, I hope that I can tell something That shall, in reason, be to your liking. For though I am myself a vicious man,
Getting drunk and telling stories seems to be very common back then and leads me to believe that that tradition has transformed into what we do today. We often get drunk and tell stories with our friends about our adventures and life lessons. A feast is an act of communion but to me drinking seems like an act of reunion.
“Then do I cite examples, many a one, 150 Out of old stories and of time long gone, For vulgar people all love stories old;
Love stories have existed for so long and so many exist. These stories are timeless and can be used as reminders and advice for current times and for anyone in any situation. Everyone loves these stories because they feel as if they can relate to them or they yearn for them in different ways.
Thence comes our true nobility by grace, 1170 It was not willed us with our rank and place
Regardless of your rank or where you are from, you can hold grace and be perceived as noble in its truest form. There is no limit or background needed to be perceived as graceful and noble.
Stubborn I was as is a lioness, And with my tongue a very jay, I guess, 645 And walk I would, as I had done before, From house to house, though I should not, he swore.
She utilizes the use of similes again as she compares herself to a lioness this time instead of a horse. She is more strong and powerful, constantly on the prowess for something more as her hunger is insatiable.
For like a stallion could I neigh and bite.
The use of a simile that compares herself to a stallion portrays a sense of knowledge she has about herself. She seems very introspective.
And not a grey goose swims there in the lake But finds a gander willing her to take.
A very intriguing metaphor as she describes women as a gray goose in a lake. A Gander is a male as to which she claims the gray goose has found to take in as its lover possibly. Similar to how women scope out men while in public that they find attractive in some way.
They’d given me their gold, and treasure more;
The men gave her everything she wanted in turn for her hand. She was being spoiled and loved it.
Now, sirs, now will I tell you forth my tale. 200 And as I may drink ever wine and ale, I will tell truth of husbands that I’ve had,
She is gonna start talking about her previous marriages but only because she's drunk. The truth always comes out when people are drunk and I found that quite comedic because people are still like that to this very day.
riven thrice by saw
riven means to "split or tear apart violently." so it can be assumed that this wood is being cut up or sawed.
love’s hot and flaming fires
More symbolism dejecting the hot and fiery nature of love that consumes others and everything in its path destroying all remains and only leaving behind ashes.
There saw I first the dark imagining Of felony, and all the compassing; And cruel anger, red as burning coal; 1140 Pickpurses, and the dread that eats the soul; The smiling villain, hiding knife in cloak; The farm barns burning, and the thick black smoke; The treachery of murder done in bed; The open battle, with the wounds that bled; 1145 Contest, with bloody knife and sharp menace; And loud with creaking was that dismal place. The slayer of himself, too, saw I there, His very heart’s blood matted in his hair; The nail that’s driven in the skull by night; 1150 The cold plague-corpse, with gaping mouth upright
The imagery portrayed in these stanzas are brutal and vivid and instills a violent anger within us as we realize how horrendous this scene is. Theres a brooding ominous tone that resonates through the entirety of this passage that is spine chilling.
But then the queen, whose heart for pity bled,
The personification of the Queen's heart creates such imagery of a heart bleeding that it can be perceived as being sad and in pain allowing me to believe how kind and caring the queen was.
Your own mouth, aye, and by your own confession, Has doomed and damned you, as I shall record.
he has brought this doom upon himself.
smote,
The past tense of smite which means to "strike with a firm blow"
In Pity’s temple, where the fires yet burn,
A beautiful symbolic representation of pity as a temple where the fires still burn because people are constantly pitying themselves instead of taking responsibility for their actions.
This duke of whom I speak, of great renown, When he had drawn almost unto the town, In all well-being and in utmost pride, He grew aware, casting his eyes aside,
You can kind of sense the hint of jealousy portrayed here as he is describing this duke.
And weak the oxen, and the soil is tough.
He is explaining how he has been dealt the unlucky cards to life and through that he must overcome or make up for what he lacks.
I shall give you my girdle: that profits you less.’ She loosed a belt lightly that lay round her sides, looped over her kirtle beneath her bright mantle. Gear it was of green silk and with gold trimmed, at the edges embroidered, with finger-stitching; and that she offered the knight, and blithely besought that he would take it though it were unworthy.
It seems as if she was offering her purity to him. It is something of no monetary value yet it is something so personal of hers that she is just giving to him.
He was in slumber deep, and yet he could her hear.
This reads to me as if he was ignoring her in attempt to ignore his fate.
coif
a woman's close-fitting cap, now only worn under a veil by nuns.
waxes
When describing the moon phases, the "waxing"phase means that the amount of surface that is lit is increasing, so this reads to me as if joy was increasing and spreading throughout the house.
For there the feast was alike full fifteen days,
"The number fifteen in Angel numerology marks the manifestation of a harmonious life, a synthesis of matter and spirit. Angel number 15 refers to the material and spiritual, steady flow of energy, the source of power and cooperation" source: https://angelnumbersmeaning.com/angel-number-15-meaning-and-symbolism/ This leads me to believe that this feast possibly replenished their spiritual power and cooperation as knights.
where war and wreck and wonder betimes have worked within, and oft both bliss and blunder have held sway swiftly since.
So much beautiful alliteration! I love the contrast between the three lines of varying alliteration sounds. This create an ebb and flow, somewhat like that of a battle between not only words but also ideas. This also to me creates some confusion about what message or idea the author is trying to portray.
The lady caused the swan to fast for three full days; then having concealed the message about his neck, let him take his flight. The bird was all anhungered for food, and remembering well the home from which he drew, he returned thither as quickly as his wings might bear him.
This depicts the sense of desperation the damsel had for Milon. There is a beauty in a fast as it cleanses the body of toxins perhaps as the damsel is trying to cleanse her feelings and purify them for Milon.
Then that cunning and crafty counsellor took the King apart, that he might give him a fresh rede.
Some alliteration to describe the sly counsellor.
When the lady entered in the chamber, neither man nor leash might restrain the fury of the Wolf. He became as a mad dog in his hatred and malice. Breaking from his bonds he sprang at the lady’s face, and bit the nose from her visage.
When I first read this, I imagined a scene where a young woman walks into a bar where she is attacked by a hyper-masculine man. The act is often seen as "just what men do" but when compared to this line, somewhat portrays an animalistic version of what actually happens.
sanguine
sanguine 1.optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation.
three knights of his company
Three is a popular number in literature, it serves purpose as glorifying a "holy trinity" the grouping of 3's often serves a purpose to highlight a special group of people.
These two maidens were richly dressed in kirtles closely laced and shapen to their persons and wore mantles of a goodly purple hue. Sweet and dainty were the damsels, alike in raiment and in face.
The extensive use of imagery portrays a sense of lust and longing.
open of heart and heavy of hand.
The usage of alliteration in this line strikes me as such a powerful statement. This somehow molds the attributes of the heart and had into one with somewhat of a sense of parallelism (heavy vs. open). One emphasizes the openness of the heart while the other emphasizes the heaviness of the hand, contrasting each other in such a slight way while keeping them connected through alliteration.
The wisdom of age is worthless to him.
No matter how old, wise, or experienced he was, he was no where near prepared to lose his first born. Nothing could prepare him for that kind of loss.
With weapons and warriors over the wide sea,
alliteration creating a nuanced feeling
And his people’s protector, was dispensing rings
he was sharing/distributing the wealth.
And Beowulf, glorious in his gold regalia, Stepped on the green earth.
Imagery with bright colors highlights the regal manner in which Beowulf is presented
Announced heaven’s joy, and a hurry of brightness Overran the shadows.
a great juxtaposition of contrasts battle between light vs. dark
If face me he dares. And may the Divine Lord In His wisdom grant victory To whichever side He sees fit.”
Beowulf believes victory lies in the hands of the Lord, who will choose the winner that deserves to win.
Named him hall-warden and announced as follows: “Never, since my hand could hold a shield Have I entrusted or given control Of the Dane’s hall to anyone but you. Ward and guard it, for it is the greatest of houses. Be on your mettle now, keep in mind your fame, Beware of the enemy. There’s nothing you wish for 660 That won’t be yours if you win through alive.”
Alluding to the fight between Grendel and Beowulf. Beowulf does not think it will be a huge loss. He sees himself on equal grounds as Grendel
But he knows he need never be in dread Of your blade making a mizzle of his blood Or of vengeance arriving ever from this quarter— From the Victory-Shieldings, the shoulderers of the spear. He knows he can trample down you Danes To his heart’s content, humiliate and murder 600 Without fear of reprisal. But he will find me different. I will show him how Geats shape to kill In the heat of battle. T
Grendel has ben wrecking havoc because he isn't scared scared. He knows people fear him enough to just leave him alone, and if it came down to it, he'd be able to trample anyone.
My hard-ringed chain-mail, hand-forged and linked, A fine, close-fitting filigree of gold,
More connections to rings, especially during an important battle.
If Grendel wins, it will be a gruesome day; He will glut himself on the Geats in the war-hall, Swoop without fear on that flower of manhood As on others before. Then my face won’t be there To be covered in death; he will carry me away As he goes to ground, gorged and bloodied; He will run gloating with my raw corpse And feed on it alone, in a cruel frenzy,
This depicts a disgusting and gory death because Beowulf sees the possibility of loss as such a great failure that he'd practically be torn to shreds by Grendel whom will show no mercy and remorse
Our dear lord, friend of the Danes, The giver of rings. I will go and ask him About your coming here, then hurry back With whatever reply it pleases him to give.”
Their Dane seems to supposedly be very giving and charitable. These warriors see him in a highly esteemed manner.
Ring-Danes
Rings are a symbolism of wealth and strength. Rings are help together by other rings similar to the "ring-hurled prow" which was supposed to be strong. They are called Ring-Danes because they are Danes with an immense amount of wealth.
Shield was still thriving when his time came And he crossed over into the Lord’s keeping. His warrior band did what he bade them When he laid down the law among the Danes:
This seems like such a regal and meaningful way to die. It is evident that his tribe respected him and his superiority. "The Old English word Dene 'Danes' usually refers to Scandinavians of any kind" and Danelaw was a historical area of Europe https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danelaw#cite_note-2
A cub in the yard, a comfort sent By God to that nation
A boy was born as a symbol of fresh new youth and vulnerable spirit by God who believes that they needed somewhat of a new start, or a refresher
Keeping cheery, we vowed quite often that none but death could separate us.
Alluding to wedding vows..."till death do us part" seems to make it feel like their marriage is solely bring held together by their vows instead of each other.
I wondered with hope on my Wulf’s wide wanderings when there was rainy weather and I sat weeping, when the battle-bold wrapped me up in his arms, it was my delight — but it was hateful as well.
A LOT of alliteration with "w" words. This seems to surround the author's thoughts/dialogue toward Wulf. I am unsure of what this could signify?
Weland
"Weland is a famous Germanic maker of weapons, mentioned in Beowulf" ( https://heorot.dk/deor-notes.html )
That passed over, so can this —
The repetition of this line seems like a constant reminder to push forward and go on. It kind of screams "what doesn't kill me makes me stronger" Because if "THAT" passed over, is can what is coming next
Therefore there is no man so proud-minded over this earth, nor so assured in his graces, nor so brave in his youth, nor so bold in his deeds, nor his lord so gracious to him that he will never have some anxiety about his sea-voyaging— about whatever the Lord wishes to do to him.
No matter who, there is no one who can say they completely understand what life has to offer, what they have to offer to this world, or what the Lord has in store for him.( fate/destiny?)
troth
faith or loyalty when pledged in a solemn agreement or undertaking.
All is misery-fraught in the realm of earth, the work of fortune changes the world under the heavens.
Being on Earth seems to cause quite a lot of issues. but that all changes when we pass and move onto "the world under the heavens"
The night-shadows grow dark, sent down from the north, the ferocious hail-showers, in hatred of men.
All of these bad things seem to come to fruition possibly due to the sinning of man. nature rebels again man who has tainted its beauty and balance.
kinsmen:
kinsman: a man who is one of a person's blood relations. They seem to be losing family ties
So this entire middle-earth tumbles and falls every day
Perhaps alluding to the idea that the other parts of the Earth, probably of a different realm, houses a reality unparalleled to this one that doesn't "tumble and fall(s) everyday"
Measurer’s mercy
A little bit of alliteration here. Although "Measurer" is capitalized perhaps it is a specific person.
Nor can the weary mind withstand these outcomes, nor can a troubled heart effect itself help. Therefore those eager for glory will often secure a sorrowing mind in their breast-coffer
To me this seems like a way of saying that they always expect the worst outcome to prepare themselves in any way possible to truly reach their goal.
mindful of miseries,
More alliteration with the "m" consonants