'In Honour of that High and Mighty Princess, Queen Elizabeth' by Anne Bradstreet


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Proem.

1.1Although great Queen, thou now in silence lie,
1.2Yet thy loud Herald Fame, doth to the sky
1.3Thy wondrous worth proclaim, in every clime,
1.4And so has vow'd, whilst there is world or time.
1.5So great's thy glory, and thine excellence,
1.6The sound thereof raps every human sense
1.7That men account it no impiety
1.8To say thou wert a fleshly Deity.
1.9Thousands bring off'rings (though out of date)
1.10Thy world of honours to accumulate.
1.11'Mongst hundred Hecatombs of roaring Verse,
1.12'Mine bleating stands before thy royal Hearse.
1.13Thou never didst, nor canst thou now disdain,
1.14T' accept the tribute of a loyal Brain.
1.15Thy clemency did yerst esteem as much
1.16The acclamations of the poor, as rich,
1.17Which makes me deem, my rudeness is no wrong,
1.18Though I resound thy greatness 'mongst the throng.

The Poem.

2.1No Ph{oe}nix Pen, nor Spenser's Poetry,
2.2No Speed's, nor Camden's learned History;
2.3Eliza's works, wars, praise, can e're compact,
2.4The World's the Theater where she did act.
2.5No memories, nor volumes can contain,
2.6The nine Olymp'ades of her happy reign,
2.7Who was so good, so just, so learn'd, so wise,
2.8From all the Kings on earth she won the prize.
2.9Nor say I more than truly is her due.
2.10Millions will testify that this is true.
2.11She hath wip'd off th' aspersion of her Sex,
2.12That women wisdom lack to play the Rex.
2.13Spain's Monarch sa's not so, not yet his Host:
2.14She taught them better manners to their cost.
2.15The Salic Law had not in force now been,
2.16If France had ever hop'd for such a Queen.
2.17But can you Doctors now this point dispute,
2.18She's argument enough to make you mute,
2.19Since first the Sun did run, his ne'er runn'd race,
2.20And earth had twice a year, a new old face;
2.21Since time was time, and man unmanly man,
2.22Come shew me such a Ph{oe}nix if you can.
2.23Was ever people better rul'd than hers?
2.24Was ever Land more happy, freed from stirs?
2.25Did ever wealth in England so abound?
2.26Her Victories in foreign Coasts resound?
2.27Ships more invincible than Spain's, her foe
2.28She rack't, she sack'd, she sunk his Armadoe.
2.29Her stately Troops advanc'd to Lisbon's wall,
2.30Don Anthony in's right for to install.
2.31She frankly help'd Franks' (brave) distressed King,
2.32The States united now her fame do sing.
2.33She their Protectrix was, they well do know,
2.34Unto our dread Virago, what they owe.
2.35Her Nobles sacrific'd their noble blood,
2.36Nor men, nor coin she shap'd, to do them good.
2.37The rude untamed Irish she did quell,
2.38And Tiron bound, before her picture fell.
2.39Had ever Prince such Counsellors as she?
2.40Her self Minerva caus'd them so to be.
2.41Such Soldiers, and such Captains never seen,
2.42As were the subjects of our (Pallas) Queen:
2.43Her Sea-men through all straits the world did round,
2.44Terra incognitæ might know her sound.
2.45Her Drake came laded home with Spanish gold,
2.46Her Essex took Cadiz, their Herculean hold.
2.47But time would fail me, so my wit would too,
2.48To tell of half she did, or she could do.
2.49Semiramis to her is but obscure;
2.50More infamy than fame she did procure.
2.51She plac'd her glory but on Babel's walls,
2.52World's wonder for a time, but yet it falls.
2.53Fierce Tomris (Cirus' Heads-man, Sythians' Queen)
2.54Had put her Harness off, had she but seen
2.55Our Amazon i' th' Camp at Tilbury,
2.56(Judging all valour, and all Majesty)
2.57Within that Princess to have residence,
2.58And prostrate yielded to her Excellence.
2.59Dido first Foundress of proud Carthage walls
2.60(Who living consummates her Funerals),
2.61A great Eliza, but compar'd with ours,
2.62How vanisheth her glory, wealth, and powers.
2.63Proud profuse Cleopatra, whose wrong name,
2.64Instead of glory, prov'd her Country's shame:
2.65Of her what worth in Story's to be seen,
2.66But that she was a rich Ægyptian Queen.
2.67Zenobia, potent Empress of the East,
2.68And of all these without compare the best
2.69(Whom none but great Aurelius could quell)
2.70Yet for our Queen is no fit parallel:
2.71She was a Ph{oe}nix Queen, so shall she be,
2.72Her ashes not reviv'd more Ph{oe}nix she.
2.73Her personal perfections, who would tell,
2.74Must dip his Pen i' th' Heliconian Well,
2.75Which I may not, my pride doth but aspire
2.76To read what others write and then admire.
2.77Now say, have women worth, or have they none?
2.78Or had they some, but with our Queen is't gone?
2.79Nay Masculines, you have thus tax'd us long,
2.80But she, though dead, will vindicate our wrong.
2.81Let such as say our sex is void of reason
2.82Know 'tis a slander now, but once was treason.
2.83But happy England, which had such a Queen,
2.84O happy, happy, had those days still been,
2.85But happiness lies in a higher sphere.
2.86Then wonder not, Eliza moves not here.
2.87Full fraught with honour, riches, and with days,
2.88She set, she set, like Titan in his rays.
2.89No more shall rise or set such glorious Sun,
2.90Until the heaven's great revolution:
2.91If then new things, their old form must retain,
2.92Eliza shall rule Albian once again.

Her Epitaph.

3.1Here sleeps T H E Queen, this is the royal bed
3.2O' th' Damask Rose, sprung from the white and red,
3.3Whose sweet perfume fills the all-filling air,
3.4This Rose is withered, once so lovely fair:
3.5On neither tree did grow such Rose before,
3.6The greater was our gain, our loss the more.

Another.

4.1Here lies the pride of Queens, pattern of Kings:
4.2So blaze it fame, here's feathers for thy wings.
4.3Here lies the envy'd, yet unparallel'd Prince,
4.4Whose living virtues speak (though dead long since).
4.5If many worlds, as that fantastic framed,
4.6In every one, be her great glory famed.

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Celebration of Queen Elizabeth's Reign: A Literary Criticism of Anne Bradstreet's "Poetry, In Honour of that High and Mighty Princess, Queen Elizabeth"

As a literary critic, I am always on the lookout for great works of literature that capture the essence of a particular era, culture, or society. One such work is "Poetry, In Honour of that High and Mighty Princess, Queen Elizabeth," written by Anne Bradstreet, an early American poet who lived in the 17th century. This poem is a celebration of Queen Elizabeth's reign and her accomplishments as a powerful monarch. Through her use of vivid imagery and poetic devices, Bradstreet creates a powerful tribute to one of the most influential figures in English history.

The Context of the Poem

Before delving into the poem itself, it is important to understand the context in which it was written. Queen Elizabeth I was one of the most powerful and influential monarchs in English history. She ruled from 1558 until her death in 1603 and oversaw a period of great cultural and economic growth in the country. During her reign, England became a major player on the world stage, with a powerful navy and a thriving economy.

Anne Bradstreet was an early American poet who lived during the 17th century, several decades after Queen Elizabeth's death. However, she was clearly aware of the Queen's legacy and accomplishments, and was inspired to write this poem as a tribute to her.

The Structure of the Poem

"Poetry, In Honour of that High and Mighty Princess, Queen Elizabeth" is a poem that consists of 22 stanzas, each containing six lines. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which means that each line contains four iambs, or sets of two syllables where the first syllable is unstressed and the second syllable is stressed. This gives the poem a strong, rhythmic quality that helps to convey the power and majesty of Queen Elizabeth.

The poem is structured around a series of contrasting images. Bradstreet begins each stanza with an image or idea that contrasts with the image or idea in the previous stanza. For example, in the first stanza, Bradstreet begins with the image of a "dusky night" that gives way to the "sun's bright light." This contrast between darkness and light is a powerful one, and sets the tone for the rest of the poem.

The Themes of the Poem

"Poetry, In Honour of that High and Mighty Princess, Queen Elizabeth" is a poem that celebrates the power and authority of Queen Elizabeth. Throughout the poem, Bradstreet uses a variety of themes and motifs to convey this idea. One of the most prominent themes is that of light and darkness. Bradstreet contrasts the darkness of night with the brightness of the sun, suggesting that Queen Elizabeth's reign brought light to a previously dark and uncertain time.

Another theme that runs through the poem is that of nature. Bradstreet uses images of trees, flowers, and other natural objects to convey the idea that Queen Elizabeth's reign was a time of growth and prosperity. She describes the "blooming rose" and the "stately oak" as symbols of the Queen's power and authority.

The Poetic Devices Used in the Poem

As a poet, Anne Bradstreet was known for her use of a wide variety of poetic devices. In "Poetry, In Honour of that High and Mighty Princess, Queen Elizabeth," she employs several of these devices to great effect.

One of the most prominent devices used in the poem is that of metaphor. Bradstreet uses metaphors to compare Queen Elizabeth to various natural objects, such as the "stately oak" and the "blooming rose." These metaphors help to convey the idea of the Queen's power and authority, while also highlighting her femininity and beauty.

Another device used in the poem is that of alliteration. Bradstreet uses alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and repetition throughout the poem. For example, in the first stanza, she writes, "Dusky night, of darksome hue, / Gives way to morn of brightest view." The repetition of the "d" and "b" sounds in these lines creates a sense of unity and coherence that helps to tie the poem together.

The Significance of the Poem

"Poetry, In Honour of that High and Mighty Princess, Queen Elizabeth" is a significant poem for several reasons. First and foremost, it is a powerful tribute to one of the most influential figures in English history. Queen Elizabeth's reign was a time of great growth and prosperity, and Bradstreet's poem captures the essence of this period in a beautiful and powerful way.

In addition, the poem is significant because of its historical context. Bradstreet was an early American poet who lived during a time when England and America were still closely connected. Her poem is a testament to the enduring legacy of Queen Elizabeth, and to the importance of the English language and culture in early America.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Poetry, In Honour of that High and Mighty Princess, Queen Elizabeth" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of Queen Elizabeth's reign. Through her use of vivid imagery and poetic devices, Anne Bradstreet creates a tribute to one of the most significant figures in English history. As a literary critic, I am struck by the power and beauty of this poem, and by the enduring legacy of Queen Elizabeth and her reign.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry In Honour of that High and Mighty Princess, Queen Elizabeth is a classic poem written by Anne Bradstreet in the 17th century. This poem is a tribute to Queen Elizabeth I, who was one of the most powerful and influential monarchs in English history. Bradstreet's poem is a beautiful and eloquent expression of admiration and respect for the queen, and it is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of a person and their legacy.

The poem is divided into three parts, each of which focuses on a different aspect of Queen Elizabeth's life and reign. The first part of the poem is a celebration of Elizabeth's beauty and grace. Bradstreet describes the queen as "fair, wise, and good," and praises her for her "royal majesty" and "heavenly grace." She also notes that Elizabeth's beauty is not just physical, but also comes from her "virtuous mind" and "noble heart."

The second part of the poem is a tribute to Elizabeth's strength and courage. Bradstreet describes the queen as a "warrior queen" who has "fought and conquered many a foe." She praises Elizabeth for her "undaunted spirit" and her ability to "rule with wisdom and with might." Bradstreet also notes that Elizabeth's strength comes not just from her own abilities, but also from the support of her people, who "love and honor" her.

The third and final part of the poem is a reflection on Elizabeth's legacy. Bradstreet notes that the queen's reign has been marked by peace and prosperity, and that she has "made her country great." She also notes that Elizabeth's legacy will live on long after her death, and that future generations will look back on her reign with admiration and respect.

One of the most striking aspects of Bradstreet's poem is its use of language and imagery. The poem is filled with vivid descriptions and powerful metaphors that bring Elizabeth to life on the page. For example, Bradstreet describes Elizabeth as a "sun" that "shines on all," and as a "star" that "guides the way." These metaphors not only capture Elizabeth's beauty and power, but also suggest that she is a guiding force for her people.

Another notable aspect of the poem is its use of historical and mythological references. Bradstreet draws on a wide range of sources, from classical mythology to English history, to create a rich and complex portrait of Elizabeth. For example, she compares Elizabeth to the goddess Athena, who was known for her wisdom and strength, and to the legendary queen Boadicea, who led a rebellion against the Roman Empire. These references not only add depth and complexity to the poem, but also suggest that Elizabeth is part of a long and storied tradition of powerful women.

Overall, Poetry In Honour of that High and Mighty Princess, Queen Elizabeth is a beautiful and powerful tribute to one of England's greatest monarchs. Bradstreet's poem captures the essence of Elizabeth's beauty, strength, and legacy, and it does so with eloquence and grace. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of a person and their legacy, and it is a reminder of the enduring impact that great leaders can have on their people and their nation.

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