# Unknown — Verses on Various Occasions character guide > Unknown in Verses on Various Occasions by John Henry Newman. **Role:** major **Also known as:** mine, me, Mine, Thy **First appearance:** 0000-epigraph ## Who they are A young believer who counts himself already enrolled among heaven's messengers, urging his brother Frank to take up the same sword. ## In the story ### [Epigraph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/epigraph) The unnamed man who cultivates his small plot with contentment. ### [Dedication](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/dedication) The author, J. H. N., who expresses personal feelings and gratitude. ### [Verses on Various Occasions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/verses-on-various-occasions) The speaker throughout the poems, reflecting on personal experiences and spiritual insights. ### [I: Solitude](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/i-solitude) The narrator reflects on solitude, his birthday, and his spiritual journey, expressing a desire for divine guidance and a constant soul. ### [II: My Birthday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/ii-my-birthday) The speaker, reflecting on his birthday and his relationship with God. ### [III: Paraphrase of Isaiah 64](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/iii-paraphrase-of-isaiah-64) The speaker who prays and laments on behalf of Israel. ### [To F. W. N.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/iv-to-f-w-n) The speaker, reflecting on shared childhood and the bond with Frank, and already enrolled as a champion. ### [V: Nature and Art](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/v-nature-and-art) The speaker who rejects human art and longs for nature's living beauty. ### [Introduction to an Album](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/vi-introduction-to-an-album) The speaker who presents themselves as a harp of many chords, inviting others to contribute. ### [Snapdragon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/vii-snapdragon) The speaker of the poem, a snapdragon flower, reflecting on its humble life. ### [VIII: The Trance of Time](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/viii-the-trance-of-time) The speaker reflects on the passage of time and the loss of childhood wonder. ### [IX: Consolations in Bereavement](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/ix-consolations-in-bereavement) The grieving speaker who reflects on the sister's death and finds solace in memory. ### [A Picture](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/x-a-picture) The narrator mourns and celebrates the life of the departed maiden. ### [Opusculum](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xii-opusculum) The speaker, a self-described sage, addresses his cousin in a lighthearted tone. ### [XIII: A Voice from Afar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xiii-a-voice-from-afar) The implied audience of the poem, the living friends and family of the deceased, who are urged to be blithe and not mourn. ### [XV: Thanksgiving](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xv-thanksgiving) The speaker who recounts God's providence and personal afflictions. ### [Monks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xvi-monks) The poet who addresses his cousin and reflects on the monastic life. ### [XVII: Epiphany-Eve](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xvii-epiphany-eve) The narrator speaks in first person plural ('we') and later singular ('I'), offering the poem as a monument and addressing the reader. ### [XVIII: The Winter Flower](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xviii-the-winter-flower) The speaker offers a flower as a birthday gift, reflecting on the contrast between worldly flattery and genuine blessing. ### [XIX: Kind Remembrances](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xix-kind-remembrances) The speaker who addresses Annie with enduring affection and pious remembrance. ### [Seeds in the Air](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xx-seeds-in-the-air) The speaker of the poem, reflecting on the difficulty of summoning poetic inspiration. ### [XXI: The Pilgrim](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xxi-the-pilgrim) The pilgrim who wanders through Dartmoor, bound by a vow to avoid attachment to earthly beauty. ### [Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xxii-home) The speaker who roams England and reflects on the vision of the Temple. ### [XXIII: The Brand of Cain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xxiii-the-brand-of-cain) The speaker who bears the brand of Cain and pleads for redemption. ### [XXIV: Zeal and Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xxiv-zeal-and-love) The speaker addresses a 'rash scholar' with a warning about the path to love. ### [Persecution](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xxv-persecution) The child addressed by the Holy Mother, who is hesitant about joining the priest's sacred band. ### [XXVI: Zeal and Purity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xxvi-zeal-and-purity) The speaker is addressed directly, urged to wield zeal and the heavenly sword, yet reminded of personal sin. ### [XXVII: The Gift of Preserverance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xxvii-the-gift-of-preserverance) The speaker broods over his guilty state and wrestles with doubts, seeking to earn favor through penance. ### [XXVIII: The Sign of the Cross](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xxviii-the-sign-of-the-cross) The speaker who draws the Holy Sign and experiences renewed courage. ### [XXIX: Bondage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xxix-bondage) The speaker who confesses bondage to sin and inability to pray. ### [XXX: The Scars of Sin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xxx-the-scars-of-sin) The speaker, who outwardly appears holy but inwardly bears the scars of sin. ### [XXXI: Angelic Guidance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xxxi-angelic-guidance) The speaker who questions the nature of angelic guidance and reflects on his own spiritual state. ### [XXXII: Substance and Shadow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xxxii-substance-and-shadow) The speaker who reflects on the nature of perception and the mind's power. ### [Wanderings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xxxiii-wanderings) The speaker recounts leaving home and the subsequent disillusionment with worldly pleasures. ### [XXXIV: The Saint and the Hero](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xxxiv-the-saint-and-the-hero) The narrator who hears the saint's praise, meets him, and learns a lesson about humility. ### [XXXVII: The Isles of the Sirens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xxxvii-the-isles-of-the-sirens) The speaker addresses a 'Stranger' and reflects on his own weakness as 'The Man of many woes.' ### [XXXIX: Memory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xxxix-memory) The speaker who reflects on memory and anticipates the judgment. ### [XL: The Haven](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xl-the-haven) The speaker who experiences awe and stillness after a fierce voyage. ### [XLI: A Word in Season](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xli-a-word-in-season) The speaker who questions how to display God's will and speak the Atoning Name. ### [XLII: Fair Words](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xlii-fair-words) The speaker who delivers the warning about fair words and the need for a serious heart. ### [XLIV: Moses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xliv-moses) The narrator speaks in first person, praying for grace to learn from Moses' example. ### [XLVI: Jeremiah](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xlvi-jeremiah) The narrator reflects on Jeremiah's cry and contrasts it with the Christian hope for rest. ### [Penance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xlvii-penance) The speaker addresses the mortal soul, urging self-judgment and acceptance of suffering as penance. ### [Christmas Without Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xlix-christmas-without-christ) The speaker who mourns the absence of Christ during Christmas and warns of future judgment. ### [Sleeplessness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/l-sleeplessness) The speaker who laments human weakness and sleeplessness. ### [The Witness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/liii-the-witness) The speaker who gives moral instruction on maintaining purity and bearing witness. ### [LV: Melchizedek](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lv-melchizedek) The speaker reflects on the experience of loneliness and the search for divine presence. ### [LVI: Corcyra](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lvi-corcyra) The speaker who sits beneath the olive tree and reflects on the lost city and its people. ### [Transfiguration](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lvii-transfiguration) The speaker who observes and reflects on the transfiguration of the saint, moving from ignorance to awe. ### [Behind the Veil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lviii-behind-the-veil) The speaker who is banished from sacred rest and kneels among the saints. ### [LIX: Judgment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lix-judgment) The speaker who prays for guidance and deliverance from divine judgment. ### [LX: Sensitiveness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lx-sensitiveness) The speaker who reflects on past sensitiveness and present resolve. ### [Humiliation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lxii-humiliation) The speaker who has experienced both honor and scorn and chooses humility. ### [A Blight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lxiv-a-blight) The speaker whose heart unfolded in spring but now suffers defilement and remorse. ### [LXVI: Superstition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lxvi-superstition) The speaker declares his intention to fix himself before God in shame, not fearing like the superstitious but trusting in Christ's name. ### [LXIX: Hope](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lxix-hope) The speaker reflects on the hope of salvation through the flood typology. ### [LXXI: Messina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lxxi-messina) The narrator expresses a yearning heart and sympathetic tears toward the ancient scenes of Messina. ### [Dreams](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lxxiii-dreams) The speaker who laments the power of dreams and then rebukes his own heart. ### [LXXIV: Temptation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lxxiv-temptation) The speaker who prays for help in temptation and confesses inner conflict. ### [Our Future](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lxxv-our-future) The speaker reflects on his own life journey and God's gradual revelation. ### [LXXVII: Taormini](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lxxvii-taormini) The speaker addresses the reader, reflecting on the experience of traveling and encountering divine beauty. ### [Sympathy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lxxviii-sympathy) The speaker who calls upon souls and spirits, expressing personal joy and longing for sympathy. ### [LXXX: Day-Labourers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lxxx-day-labourers) The narrator addresses the Christian warrior, urging labor despite mortality. ### [LXXXI: Warfare](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lxxxi-warfare) The speaker who addresses the 'man of God' and reflects on the necessity of struggle. ### [LXXXII: Sacrilege](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lxxxii-sacrilege) The speaker who reflects on the Church's state and warns against sacrilege. ### [LXXXIV: Declension](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lxxxiv-declension) The speaker who questions the value of striving and reviving dead memories. ### [The Age to Come](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lxxxv-the-age-to-come) The speaker who searches for truth and faces rejection from reasoners. ### [LXXXVIII: The Good Samaritan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lxxxviii-the-good-samaritan) The speaker expresses personal longing and weariness, finding solace in the Church of Rome. ### [Reverence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lxxxix-reverence) The narrator speaks in first person, expressing personal reverence and awareness of sin. ### [XC: The Pillar of the Cloud](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xc-the-pillar-of-the-cloud) The speaker who prays for guidance, confesses past pride, and longs for the angelic smiles. ### [XCIII: Faith Against Sight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xciii-faith-against-sight) The speaker who observes the cycles of history and exhorts the faithful. ### [XCIV: Desolation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xciv-desolation) The speaker addresses the reader directly, offering comfort and assurance of God's constant presence. ### [XCVII: St. Paul](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xcvii-st-paul) The dreamer who envies the prophets and saints and is visited by St. Paul. ### [XCVIII: Flowers Without Fruit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xcviii-flowers-without-fruit) The speaker reflects on self-discipline and the value of restrained, purposeful faith. ### [Vexations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/c-vexations) The speaker who bears trials and seeks comfort in faith. ### [CII: The Wrath to Come](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cii-the-wrath-to-come) The narrator recounts his personal struggle with the doctrine of hell and his eventual acceptance through Scripture. ### [CIII: Pusillanimity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/ciii-pusillanimity) The narrator reflects on the human experience of being called to daunting spiritual tasks and the need for courage. ### [CV: Hora Novissima](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cv-hora-novissima) The speaker who prays for a Christian death and expresses reliance on God's will. ### [CVI: Progress of Unbelief](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cvi-progress-of-unbelief) The speaker who observes the autumn of faith and resolves to go out amid the sleet. ### [Consolation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cvii-consolation) The speaker who sinks in gloom and fear, seeking reassurance. ### [CVIII: Uzzah and Obed-Edom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cviii-uzzah-and-obed-edom) The narrator reflects on the biblical story of Uzzah and Obed-Edom, applying its lesson to the Church. ### [CIX: The Gift of Tongues](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cix-the-gift-of-tongues) The speaker who observes foreign tongues and laments his own inability to speak. ### [CX: The Power of Prayer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cx-the-power-of-prayer) The narrator reflects on the power of prayer and the path to grace. ### [Semita Justorum](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxi-semita-justorum) The speaker reflects on his own spiritual journey and current anticipation of divine guidance. ### [CXII: The Elements](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxii-the-elements) The speaker who reflects on human knowledge and divine power over the elements. ### [CXIII: Apostacy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxiii-apostacy) The speaker who reflects on France's past and present spiritual state. ### [CXV: Separation of Friends](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxv-separation-of-friends) The speaker who mourns and longs for the departed friend to speak. ### [Morning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxvii-morning) The speaker who rises and prays, offering the day as a sacrifice. ### [CXVIII: Evening](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxviii-evening) The speaker who confesses to lying and failing to keep the vow. ### [CXIX: A Hermitage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxix-a-hermitage) The speaker who answers the whisper and defends the true meaning of monastic life. ### [CXXIV: Matins—Sunday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxxiv-matins-sunday) The speaker who calls the faithful to arise and watch. ### [CXXV: Matins—Monday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxxv-matins-monday) The speaker who rises from sleep and leads the prayer. ### [CXXX: Matins—Saturday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxxx-matins-saturday) The speaker who offers chants and tears, seeking purification and strength. ### [CXXXII: Lauds—Sunday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxxxii-lauds-sunday) The speaker who leads the prayer and observes the dawn. ### [Lauds—Thursday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxxxvi-lauds-thursday) The speaker of the hymn, reflecting on the dawn and the day's service. ### [CXXXIX: Prime](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxxxix-prime) The suppliant voice praying for guidance and protection. ### [St. Philip Neri in His Mission](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/clxiv-st-philip-neri-in-his-mission) The speaker identifies as Philip's children and Peter's soldiers true, situated in the far North. ### [Guardian Angel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/clxvii-guardian-angel) The speaker who reflects on the guardian angel's constant presence and guidance throughout life. ### [CLXVIII: The Golden Prison](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/clxviii-the-golden-prison) The speaker who addresses a loved one, asking for prayers after his death. ### [A Martyr Convert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/clxx-a-martyr-convert) The speaker who prays for the Lord's descent and recounts the martyr's story. ### [St. Philip in His Disciples](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/clxxii-st-philip-in-his-disciples) The speaker who rejects worldly glory and aspires to follow St. Philip's example. ### [To Edward Caswall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/clxxiv-to-edward-caswall) The speaker who observes the pool and reflects on Caswall's verse. ### [The Two Worlds](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/clxxv-the-two-worlds) The speaker who reflects on the contrast between worldly and divine beauty and offers a poor sacrifice. ### [§ 3](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/3) The soul who addresses the angel and questions the process of judgment. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/characters/unknown_narrator - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/characters