Introduction:
Edwin Muir, in his poem “The Castle” describes the confidence of the soldiers in the beginning and of and the treacherous (disloyal) act of a wizened warder (an old guard), which leads to the fall of the castle. It is written in the form of a monologue. It reveals a hidden moral at the end of the poem. One evil person is enough to defeat the collective strength of a whole nation. The greedy warder is just like a Satan who causes the fall of mankind.

The Castle:
The gates of the castle were strong, walls were thick, very smooth and high The castle was absolutely safe. The way to the castle was tunneled with stones and confusing maze (confusing path). Soldiers had enough weapons and provender (food). No one could enter the castle, Birds could have got in.

Comfortable life:
The faithful soldiers had been in the castle throughout the summer days. They watched the people (mowers) trimming grass and levelling lawns in the hay. Soldiers were waiting for their friendly allies (supporting nations or armed forces). The enemies were half a mile away from the castle. Their captain was brave and the soldiers were loyal.

Shameful tale:
“What would they offer us for baut ?” Bait-something given to someone to do something.

An old (aged guard) wizened warder received “gold” from the enemies. The enemies entered the castle through the wicked wicket gate. Now the castle became weak. Betrayal of a gate keeper led the fall of the castle. The castle was captured without war and bloodshed. No one can narrate the shameful act of the warder The tunneled stone grew thin and treacherous. as air.

Conclusion:
“Soldiers were sold for gold”. The soldiers had weapons to fight against enemies But they had no weapons to fight against gold. Their only enemy was gold. One can fight against an enemy who is known to all. To fight an enemy who is hidden in one’s heart is always tough.

Moral:
Greediness defeats not just the castle but everything.