Robert William Service
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Full Name and Common Aliases


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Robert William Service was born on January 16, 1874, in Prestonpans, Scotland. He is commonly known as "The Bard of the North" due to his connection with Canada's Yukon region.

Birth and Death Dates


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Birth: January 16, 1874
Death: September 11, 1958

Nationality and Profession(s)


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Robert William Service was a Scottish-Canadian poet. His nationality is often attributed to his birth in Scotland, but he also held Canadian citizenship due to living in the Yukon region for an extended period.

Early Life and Background


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Service's family moved from Scotland to Canada when he was just 16 years old. He settled in Victoria, British Columbia, where he initially worked as a bank clerk before becoming a poet. This transition was influenced by his experiences working on ships in the merchant marine.

During his time at sea, Service was exposed to various cultures and environments that later inspired many of his works. His writing often reflects his adventures and the people he encountered during these voyages. Upon moving to the Yukon region, Service experienced a transformative period, which had significant impacts on his writing style and themes explored in his poetry.

Major Accomplishments


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Service's most notable accomplishments include:

Poetic Works: Service published numerous collections of poetry, including "The Song of the Wage-Slave" (1897), "Raleigh" (1906), and "Ballads of a Cheechako" (1909). His works often dealt with themes of love, nature, and human struggles.
Fame in Canada: He gained recognition for his poetry, particularly among Canadian audiences. Service's writing style captured the essence of the Yukon region and its inhabitants.

Notable Works or Actions


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Some notable works by Robert William Service include:

"The Cremation of Sam McGee": This poem showcases Service's vivid storytelling skills and is often credited with popularizing his work.
"The Ballad of Blasphemy": This piece demonstrates Service's ability to explore complex themes while maintaining a captivating narrative style.

Impact and Legacy


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Robert William Service left an indelible mark on Canadian literature. His works not only captured the essence of the Yukon region but also reflected his own personal growth as a writer. The "Bard of the North" title, which he earned due to his connection with Canada's northern regions, solidifies his place in Canadian literary history.

Service's experiences and writings have been widely appreciated for their vivid descriptions of life in the Yukon during its gold rush era. His work continues to be celebrated for its authenticity, allowing readers to experience a piece of Canadian history through his poetry.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


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Robert William Service is remembered and quoted for his:

Immersive descriptions: His writing transports readers to the Yukon region during the gold rush era.
Authentic portrayal of life: Service's work provides an authentic glimpse into life in the Yukon, making it a valuable resource for those interested in Canadian history.
* Timeless themes: Despite being written over a century ago, his poetry continues to explore universal themes that resonate with readers today.

Quotes by Robert William Service

"
Why should I be the first to fall / Of all the leaves on this old tree? / Though sadly soon I know that all / Will lose their hold and follow me. / While my birth-brothers bravely blow, / Why should I be first to go?
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Carefree to be, as a bird that sings; / To go my own sweet way; / To reck not at all what may befall, / But to live and to love each day.
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So feathered friend, until the end you may divide my den, / And make a mess, which (more or less) I clean up now and then. / But I prefer the doom to share of dead and gone compeers, / Than parrot be, and live to see ten times a hundred years.
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A Poet of Profanity! / For I've been known with vulgar slang / To stoke the Sacred Fire, / And even used a word like 'hang', / Suggesting ire.
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His crowded life of God's good giving / No man has relished more than I; / I've been so goldarned busy living / I've never had the time to die. / So busy fishing, hunting, roving, / Up on my toes and fighting fit; / So busy singing, laughing, loving, / I've never had the time to quit.
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An no, I never, never swear; / Profanity don't pay; / To cuss won't get you anywhere
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I do not swear because I am / A sweet and sober guy; / I cannot vent a single damn / However hard I try.
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I love the cheery bustle / Of children round the house, / The tidy maids a-hustle, / The chatter of my spouse; / The laughter and the singing, / The joy on every face: / With frequent laughter ringing, / O, Home's a happy place!
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Oh, it is good afar to roam, / And seek adventure in strange lands; / Yet oh, so good the coming home, / The velvet love of little hands.
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So I'll go back to Tennessee, And they will ask: "How have you spent your Brief holiday in gay Paree?"
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