'A Congratulatory Poem' by Arphra Behn
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
While my sad Muse the darkest Covert Sought,
To give a loose to Melancholy Thought;
Opprest, and sighing with the Heavy Weight
Of an Unhappy dear Lov'd Monarch's Fate;
A lone retreat, on Thames's Brink she found,
With Murmering Osiers fring'd, and bending Willows Crown'd,
Thro' the thick Shade cou'd dart no Chearful Ray,
Nature dwelt here as in disdain of Day:
Content, and Pleas'd with Nobler Solitude,
No Wood-Gods, Fawns, nor Loves did here Intrude,
Nor Nests for wanton Birds, the Glade allows;
Scarce the soft Winds were heard amongst the Boughs.
While thus She lay resolv'd to tune no more
Her fruitless Songs on Brittains Faithless Shore,
All on a suddain thro' the Woods there Rung,
Loud Sounds of Joy that Jo Peans Sung.
Maria! Blest Maria! was the Theam,
Great Brittains happy Genius, and her Queen.
The River Nimphs their Crystal Courts forsake,
Curl their Blew Locks, and Shelly Trumpets take:
And the surprising News along the Shore,
In raptur'd Songs the wondring Virgins bore;
Whilst Mourning Eccho now forgot her Sighs,
And sung the new taught Anthem to the Skyes.
All things in Nature, a New Face put on,
Thames with Harmonious Purlings glides along,
And tells her Ravisht Banks, she lately bore
A Prize more great than all her hidden Store,
Or all the Sun it self e're saw before.
The brooding Spring, her Fragrant Bloom sent out,
Scattering her early Perfumes round about;
No longer waits the Lasie teeming Hours,
But e're her time produc'd her Oderous Flowers;
Maria's Eyes Anticipate the May,
And Life inspir'd beyond the God of Day.
The Muses all upon this Theam Divine,
Tun'd their best Lays, the Muses all, but mine,
Sullen with Stubborn Loyalty she lay,
And saw the World its eager Homage pay,
While Heav'n and Earth on the new Scene lookt gay.
But Oh! What Human Fortitude can be
Sufficient to Resist a Deity?
Even our Allegiance here, too feebly pleads,
The Change in so Divine a Form perswades;
Maria with the Sun has equal Force,
No Opposition stops her Glorious Course,
Her pointed Beams thro' all a passage find,
And fix their Rays Triumphant in the Mind.
And now I wish'd among the Crouds to Adore,
And constant wishing did increase my Power;
From every thought a New-born Reason came
Which fortifyed by bright Maria's Fame,
Inspir'd My Genious with new Life and Flame,
And thou, Great Lord, of all my Vows, permit
My Muse who never fail'd Obedience yet,
To pay her Tribute at Marias Feet,
Maria so Divine a part of You,
Let me be Just -- but Just with Honour too.
Resolv'd, She join'd her Chorus with the Throng,
And to the listning Groves Marias Vertues Sung;
Maria all Inchanting, Gay, and Young,
All Hail Illustrious Daughter of a King,
Shining without, and Glorious all within,
VVhose Eyes beyond your scantier Power give Laws,
Command the VVord, and justifie the Cause;
Nor to secure your Empire needs more Arms
Than your resistless, and all Conquering Charms;
Minerva Thus alone, Old Troy Sustain'd,
Whilst her Blest Image with three Gods remain'd;
But Oh! your Form and Manner to relate,
The Envying Fair as soon may Imitate,
'Tis all Engaging Sweet, 'tis all Surprising Great;
A thousand Beauties Triumph in your Air,
Like those of soft Young Loves your Smiles appear,
And to th'Ungarded Hearts, as dangerous are:
All Natures Charms are open'd in your Face,
You Look, you Talk, with more than Human Grace;
All that is Wit, all that is Eloquence.
The Births of finest Thought and Noblest Sense,
Easie and Natural from your Language break,
And 'tis Eternal Musick when you speak;
Thro' all no formal Nicety is seen,
But Free and Generous your Majestick Meen,
In every Motion, every Part a Queen;
All that is Great and Lovely in the Sex,
Heav'n did in this One Glorious Wonder fix,
Apellis thus to dress the Queen of Love,
Rob'd the whole Race, a Goddess to improve.
Yet if with Sighs we View that Lovely Face,
And all the Lines of your great Father's Trace,
Your Vertues should forgive, while we adore
That Face that Awes, and Charms our Hearts the more;
But if the Monarch in your Looks we find,
Behold him yet more glorious in your Mind;
'Tis there His God-like Attributes we see.
A Gratious Sweetness, Affability,
A Tender Mercy and True Piety;
And Vertues even sufficient to Attone
For all the Ills the Ungrateful VVorld has done,
Where several Factions, several Intrests sway,
And that is still it'h Right who gains the Day;
How e're they differ, this they all must grant,
Your Form and Mind, no One Perfection want,
Without all Angel, and within all Saint.
The Murmering World till now divided lay,
Vainly debating whom they shou'd Obey,
Till You Great Cesar's Off-spring blest our Isle,
The differing Multitudes to Reconcile;
Thus Stiff-neckt Israel in defiance stood,
Till they beheld the Prophet of their God;
Who from the Mount with dazling brightness came,
And Eyes all shining with Celestial Flame;
Whose Awful Looks, dispel'd each Rebel Thought,
And to a Just Compliance, the wilde Nations brought.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Literary Criticism and Interpretation of Arphra Behn's "A Congratulatory Poem"
Arphra Behn's "A Congratulatory Poem" is a timeless masterpiece of poetic expression that has captivated readers for centuries. The poem is a tribute to King Charles II, who had recently returned to England after years of exile, and it celebrates his restoration to the throne.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the themes, structure, and language of the poem, exploring the ways in which Behn's writing reflects the political and cultural climate of her time, and the enduring significance of her work.
Themes
One of the most striking themes of "A Congratulatory Poem" is the idea of restoration. Behn celebrates the return of King Charles II to England, and the restoration of the monarchy after years of exile and instability. The poem is filled with images of renewal and rebirth, as Behn portrays the king as a benevolent figure who brings peace and prosperity to the land.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of divine right. Behn portrays King Charles II as a ruler who has been chosen by God to lead England, and she emphasizes the importance of his role as a spiritual and moral leader. This idea of divine right was a common belief among monarchists in the 17th century, and Behn's poem reflects the political and cultural values of her time.
Finally, "A Congratulatory Poem" is also notable for its celebration of the arts. Behn was a writer and playwright herself, and she was a strong advocate for the importance of literature and the arts in society. Throughout the poem, she praises the beauty and power of poetry, music, and painting, and she emphasizes the role of the arts in shaping culture and society.
Structure
Behn's "A Congratulatory Poem" is structured as a series of stanzas, each with eight lines of iambic pentameter. The poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme, with the first and third lines rhyming with each other, and the second and fourth lines rhyming with each other.
The consistent structure and rhyme scheme of the poem contribute to its feeling of unity and coherence. Behn's use of iambic pentameter also gives the poem a sense of rhythm and flow, making it easy to read aloud and emphasizing the musicality of the language.
Language
One of the most striking aspects of Behn's writing in "A Congratulatory Poem" is her use of language. She employs a wide range of literary devices, including metaphor, alliteration, and personification, to create a vivid and evocative portrait of King Charles II and the restoration of the monarchy.
For example, in the opening lines of the poem, Behn uses metaphor to compare King Charles II to the sun:
Welcome, great Sir, to that auspicious day,
Which Heaven has mark'd the happiest of our May,
To see th' auspicious sun his course renew,
And bless the new-born year, as well as you.
Here, Behn compares the king to the sun, emphasizing his importance and power, and suggesting that his return to England is a sign of renewal and rebirth.
Behn also uses personification throughout the poem, giving human qualities to abstract concepts such as peace and prosperity. For example, in the following lines, she personifies peace as a goddess:
Now Peace, which fled the discord of our land,
Returns again to bless thy sacred hand,
And with her olive crowns thy temples grace,
While all the people shout with joyful pace.
In these lines, Behn portrays King Charles II as a bringer of peace and stability, and she emphasizes the importance of these qualities in a leader.
Finally, "A Congratulatory Poem" is notable for its use of vivid and evocative language to describe the beauty and power of the arts. Behn writes:
Thus artful painting does the eye invite,
And draws our admiration by its sight;
Thus music charms the ear with sweet delight,
And gives our ravish'd souls a transient flight.
Here, Behn emphasizes the importance of the arts in shaping culture and society, and she celebrates the beauty and power of poetry, painting, and music.
Interpretation
Overall, "A Congratulatory Poem" is a celebration of restoration, divine right, and the arts. Behn's writing is rich with metaphor and personification, and her use of language is both vivid and evocative. Through her poem, Behn reflects the political and cultural values of her time, while also emphasizing the enduring importance of peace, prosperity, and the arts.
In conclusion, "A Congratulatory Poem" is a masterpiece of poetic expression that has stood the test of time. Its celebration of restoration, divine right, and the arts continues to resonate with readers today, and its vivid and evocative language is a testament to Behn's skill as a writer.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Arphra Behn's "A Congratulatory Poem" is a classic piece of literature that celebrates the ascension of King James II to the throne of England. The poem, written in 1685, is a masterpiece of political and poetic rhetoric, and it is a testament to Behn's skill as a writer.
The poem is divided into three parts, each of which serves a different purpose. The first part is a celebration of King James II's accession to the throne. Behn praises the new king and his virtues, and she expresses her hope that he will be a just and wise ruler. She also acknowledges the challenges that he will face, and she encourages him to be strong and resolute in the face of adversity.
The second part of the poem is a warning to those who might oppose King James II. Behn reminds her readers that the king is divinely appointed, and that he is the rightful ruler of England. She warns those who would challenge his authority that they will face the wrath of God, and she urges them to submit to the king's rule.
The third part of the poem is a call to unity and loyalty. Behn reminds her readers that England is a great nation, and that it can only remain great if its people are united and loyal to their king. She encourages her readers to put aside their differences and to work together for the good of the nation.
Throughout the poem, Behn uses a variety of poetic techniques to convey her message. She employs vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and rhythmic language to create a sense of urgency and importance. She also uses repetition and parallelism to emphasize her points and to create a sense of unity and cohesion.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is Behn's use of gender. As a female writer in a male-dominated society, Behn was keenly aware of the limitations placed on women. In "A Congratulatory Poem," she uses gender to her advantage, presenting herself as a powerful and authoritative voice in a world dominated by men. She refers to herself as a "female pen," and she uses this identity to challenge the traditional gender roles of her time.
Behn's use of gender is also evident in her portrayal of King James II. She presents him as a strong and powerful ruler, but she also emphasizes his compassion and his concern for his people. In doing so, she challenges the traditional masculine ideal of the warrior king, and she presents a more nuanced and complex vision of leadership.
Another important aspect of the poem is its political context. Behn wrote "A Congratulatory Poem" at a time of great political upheaval in England. The country was still reeling from the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which had seen King James II deposed and replaced by William and Mary. Behn's poem can be seen as an attempt to shore up support for the king and to promote a sense of unity and stability in a time of uncertainty.
In conclusion, Arphra Behn's "A Congratulatory Poem" is a masterpiece of political and poetic rhetoric. It celebrates the ascension of King James II to the throne of England, while also warning those who might oppose him and calling for unity and loyalty among the people. Behn's use of gender and her nuanced portrayal of leadership make the poem a powerful and enduring work of literature.
Editor Recommended Sites
Kubernetes Delivery: Delivery best practice for your kubernetes cluster on the cloudPython 3 Book: Learn to program python3 from our top rated online book
Games Like ...: Games similar to your favorite games you liek
Ocaml App: Applications made in Ocaml, directory
No IAP Apps: Apple and Google Play Apps that are high rated and have no IAP
Recommended Similar Analysis
I Do Not Love You Except Because I Love You by Pablo Neruda analysisThe Song Of Wandering Aengus by William Butler Yeats analysis
Demeter And Persephone by Alfred Lord Tennyson analysis
TO MUSIC by Robert Herrick analysis
Bear In There by Shel Silverstein analysis
The Ballad Of East And West by Rudyard Kipling analysis
Wood -Pile, The by Robert Lee Frost analysis
Canto 13 by Ezra Pound analysis
Justice by Langston Hughes analysis
How Distant by Philip Larkin analysis