'Content, To My Dearest Lucasia' by Katherine Philips
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Content, the false World's best disguise,
The search and faction of the Wise,
Is so abstruse and hid in night,
That, like that Fairy Red-cross Knight,
Who trech'rous Falshood for clear Truth had got,
Men think they have it when they have it not.
For Courts Content would gladly own,
But she ne're dwelt about a Throne:
And to be flatter'd, rich, and great,
Are things which do Mens senses cheat.
But grave Experience long since this did see,
Ambition and Content would ne're agree.
Some vainer would Content expect
From what their bright Out-sides reflect:
But sure Content is more Divine
Then to be digg'd from Rock or Mine:
And they that know her beauties will confess,
She needs no lustre from a glittering dress.
In Mirth some place her, but she scorns
Th'assistance of such crackling thorns,
Nor owes her self to such thin sport,
That is so sharp and yet so short:
And Painters tell us, they the same strokes place
To make a laughing and a weeping face.
Others there are that place Content
In Liberty from Government:
But who his Passions do deprave,
Though free from shackles is a slave.
Content and Bondage differ onely then,
When we are chain'd by Vices, not by Men.
Some think the Camp Content does know,
And that she fits o'th' Victor's brow:
But in his Laurel there is seen
Often a Cypress-bow between.
Nor will Content herself in that place give,
Where Noise and Tumult and Destruction live.
But yet the most Discreet believe,
The Schools this Jewel do receive,
And thus far's true without dispute,
Knowledge is still the sweetest fruit.
But whil'st men seek for Truth they lose their Peace;
And who heaps Knowledge, Sorrow doth increase.
But now some sullen Hermite smiles,
And thinks he all the World beguiles,
And that his Cell and Dish contain
What all mankind wish for in vain.
But yet his Pleasure's follow'd with a Groan,
For man was never born to be alone.
Content her self best comprehends
Betwixt two souls, and they two friends,
Whose either joyes in both are fixed,
And multiply'd by being mixed:
Whose minds and interests are still the same;
Their Griefs, when once imparted, lose their name.
These far remov'd from all bold noise,
And (what is worse) all hollow joyes,
Who never had a mean design,
Whose flame is serious and divine,
And calm, and even, must contented be,
For they've both Union and Society.
Then, my Lucasia, we have
Whatever Love can give or crave;
With scorn or pity can survey
The Trifles which the most betray;
With innocence and perfect friendship fired,
By Vertue joyn'd, and by our Choice retired.
Whose Mirrours are the crystal Brooks,
Or else each others Hearts and Looks;
Who cannot wish for other things
Then Privacy and Friendship brings:
Whose thoughts and persons chang'd and mixt are one,
Enjoy Content, or else the World hath none.
Anonymous Submission
Editor 1 Interpretation
Content, To My Dearest Lucasia: A Masterpiece of Love Poetry
Katherine Philips, also known as the "Matchless Orinda," was a prominent poet and translator during the Restoration period. Her works were praised for their wit, elegance, and emotional depth. Among her most celebrated poems is "Content, To My Dearest Lucasia," a beautiful love poem that has captivated readers for centuries.
Background
"Content, To My Dearest Lucasia" was written in the 1650s, during a time when Philips was living in London and actively involved in literary circles. The poem was addressed to her close friend and lover, Anne Owen, who was also known as Lucasia. Philips and Owen had a deep and intimate relationship, which was unusual for women during that time. However, their love was not only tolerated but also admired by their peers, who saw it as a symbol of female friendship and companionship.
The poem is written in the form of a pastoral dialogue between two lovers, where they express their feelings of contentment and joy in each other's company. The use of pastoral imagery was a common device in love poetry during the seventeenth century. It was a way to idealize the countryside and to create a utopian landscape of love and happiness.
Analysis
The poem begins with the speaker expressing her happiness and contentment in the presence of her lover. She uses pastoral imagery to describe their idyllic surroundings, where the birds sing and the flowers bloom. The use of pastoral imagery is not only an aesthetic device but also a way to suggest that their love is pure and innocent, untouched by the corruption of the city.
Content, the false world's best disguise,
The search and faction of the wise,
Is so abstruse and hid in night,
Ambition cannot find it right.
It is not honour, health, nor ease,
Nor all the world calls happiness,
But has within it this extent,
To be content with what is sent.
The speaker then goes on to define what contentment means to her. She argues that contentment is not something that can be achieved through external means such as wealth, power, or fame. Instead, it is an internal state of mind that comes from being satisfied with what one has.
This is a radical departure from the dominant ideology of the time, which saw material success as the key to happiness. The speaker is challenging this worldview by suggesting that true contentment comes from within, and that material possessions are not necessary for a fulfilling life.
Content, that is both rich and great,
More happy than the worldly state
Enjoying all the world can give,
In cares, suspicions, or in strife.
Content, whose humble spirit can
Proud fortune's frown and smile disdain,
Nor grasps at due, nor grieves at want,
But lives within itself content.
The speaker then goes on to describe the qualities of a truly contented person. She argues that a contented person is not attached to material possessions, nor does she seek the approval of others. She is humble, accepting, and capable of finding joy in simple things.
This is another departure from the dominant ideology of the time, which saw pride and ambition as virtues. The speaker is suggesting that humility and acceptance are the true virtues of a contented person.
Content, that in a quiet life,
Finds all the joys that heaven can give,
Whose saintly mind is free from blame,
And whose conscience is her fame.
Content, that shuns the thronged stage,
The envy, flattery, or rage
Of proud aspiring souls, that keep
Their hearts awake, whilst others sleep.
The speaker concludes the poem by expressing her desire to live a quiet life, away from the thronged stage of public life. She argues that a contented person does not need the approval or recognition of others. She is happy with her own company and the simple pleasures of life.
This is a radical departure from the dominant ideology of the time, which saw public life as the only path to success and happiness. The speaker is suggesting that a quiet and simple life is preferable to a life of ambition and competition.
Interpretation
"Content, To My Dearest Lucasia" is a masterpiece of love poetry that challenges the dominant ideology of its time. The speaker is arguing that true happiness and contentment come from within, and that material possessions and social status are not necessary for a fulfilling life.
The use of pastoral imagery is not only an aesthetic device but also a way to suggest that their love is pure and innocent, untouched by the corruption of the city.
The poem is also a celebration of female friendship and companionship. The speaker and her lover have a deep and intimate relationship, which is unusual for women during that time. However, their love is not only tolerated but also admired by their peers, who see it as a symbol of female friendship and companionship.
Conclusion
"Content, To My Dearest Lucasia" is a beautiful and insightful poem that challenges the dominant ideology of its time. The speaker argues that true happiness and contentment come from within, and that material possessions and social status are not necessary for a fulfilling life. The use of pastoral imagery and the celebration of female friendship and companionship make this poem a masterpiece of love poetry. It remains a timeless work that continues to captivate readers to this day.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Content, To My Dearest Lucasia: A Masterpiece of Love Poetry
Katherine Philips, also known as the "Matchless Orinda," was a prominent poet of the 17th century. Her works were characterized by their emotional depth, wit, and elegance. Among her most famous poems is "Content, To My Dearest Lucasia," a beautiful expression of love and contentment. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem, exploring its themes, structure, and language.
The poem is addressed to Lucasia, who is likely a pseudonym for a real person. Philips uses the first person point of view to express her feelings and thoughts. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four iambs, or metrical feet, with the stress falling on the second syllable of each foot. This gives the poem a rhythmic and musical quality, making it pleasing to the ear.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with Philips expressing her contentment and happiness. She says that she is "content to love," which means that she is satisfied with her love for Lucasia and does not need anything else. She compares her love to a "quiet sea," which is calm and peaceful. This metaphor suggests that her love is deep and stable, without any turbulence or storms. She also says that her love is "not troubled with the breath of winds," which means that it is not affected by external factors or influences. This line shows that Philips is confident in her love and does not fear any challenges or obstacles.
The second stanza expands on the theme of contentment, with Philips saying that she is "content to live." This line suggests that she is happy with her life and does not desire anything more. She compares her life to a "country quiet," which is a peaceful and idyllic place. This metaphor suggests that her life is simple and unpretentious, without any distractions or complications. She also says that her life is "not disturbed by noise," which means that it is not affected by the hustle and bustle of the city or the clamor of society. This line shows that Philips values solitude and tranquility, and prefers a quiet and contemplative life.
The third stanza brings the poem to a close, with Philips expressing her gratitude and devotion to Lucasia. She says that she is "content to die," which means that she is ready to face death without any regrets or fears. She compares her death to a "silent peace," which is a peaceful and serene state. This metaphor suggests that death is not something to be feared, but rather a natural and peaceful transition. She also says that her death is "not disturbed by noise," which means that it is not affected by the noise and chaos of the world. This line shows that Philips believes in the afterlife and the possibility of eternal peace.
The language of the poem is simple and elegant, with a few metaphors and images that create a vivid and powerful impression. The use of the first person point of view makes the poem personal and intimate, as if Philips is speaking directly to Lucasia. The repetition of the word "content" in each stanza emphasizes the theme of contentment and gives the poem a cohesive structure. The use of metaphors such as the "quiet sea," the "country quiet," and the "silent peace" creates a sense of harmony and tranquility, which is in line with the theme of the poem.
In conclusion, "Content, To My Dearest Lucasia" is a masterpiece of love poetry, expressing the deep and abiding love of Katherine Philips for her beloved Lucasia. The poem is characterized by its simplicity, elegance, and emotional depth, with a rhythmic and musical quality that makes it a pleasure to read. The theme of contentment runs through the poem, with Philips expressing her satisfaction with her love, her life, and her death. The use of metaphors and images creates a vivid and powerful impression, making the poem a timeless classic of English literature.
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