'Of the Mean and Sure Estate Written to John Poins' by Sir Thomas Wyatt
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My mother's maids, when they did sew and spin,
They sang sometime a song of the field mouse,
That, for because her livelood was but thin,
Would needs go seek her townish sister's house.
She thought herself endurèd too much pain;
The stormy blasts her cave so sore did souse
That when the furrows swimmèd with the rain,
She must lie cold and wet in sorry plight;
And worse than that, bare meat there did remain
To comfort her when she her house had dight;
Sometime a barley corn; sometime a bean;
For which she laboured hard both day and night
In harvest time whilst she might go and glean;
And where store was stroyèd with the flood,
Then well away! for she undone was clean.
Then was she fain to take instead of food
Sleep, if she might, her hunger to beguile.
"My sister," quod she, "hath a living good,
And hence from me she dwelleth not a mile.
In cold and storm she lieth warm and dry
In bed of down; the dirt doth not defile
Her tender foot, she laboureth not as I.
Richly she feedeth and at the richman's cost,
And for her meat she needs not crave nor cry.
By sea, by land, of the delicates, the most
Her cater seeks, and spareth for no peril.
She feedeth on boiled bacon meet and roast,
And hath thereof neither charge nor travail;
And when she list, the liquor of the grape
Doth glad her heart till that her belly swell."
And at this journey she maketh but a jape;
So forth she goeth, trusting of all this wealth
With her sister her part so for to shape,
That if she might keep herself in health,
To live a lady while her life doth last.
And to the door now is she come by stealth,
And with her foot anon she scrapeth full fast.
Th' other for fear durst not well scarce appear,
Of every noise so was the wretch aghast.
At last she askèd softly who was there.
And in her language, as well as she could,
"Peep!" quod the other. "Sister, I am here."
"Peace," quod the towny mouse, "why speakest thou so loud?"
And by the hand she took her fair and well.
"Welcome," quod she, "my sister, by the Rood!"
She feasted her, that joy it was to tell
The fare they had; they drank the wine so clear,
And as to purpose now and then it fell,
She cheerèd her with "How, sister, what cheer!"
Amids this joy befell a sorry chance,
That, well away! the stranger bought full dear
The fare she had, for, as she look askance,
Under a stool she spied two steaming eyes
In a round head with sharp ears. In France
Was never mouse so fear'd, for the unwise
Had not i-seen such a beast before,
Yet had nature taught her after her guise
To know her foe and dread him evermore.
The towny mouse fled, she know whither to go;
Th' other had no shift, but wonders sore
Feard of her life. At home she wished her tho,
And to the door, alas! as she did skip,
The Heaven it would, lo! and eke her chance was so,
At the threshold her silly foot did trip;
And ere she might recover it again,
The traitor cat had caught her by the hip,
And made her there against her will remain,
That had forgotten her poor surety and rest
For seeming wealth wherein she thought to reign.
Alas, my Poynz, how men do seek the best
And find the worst, by error as they stray!
And no marvail; when sight is so opprest.
And blind the guide; anon out of the way
Goeth guide and all in seeking quiet life.
O wretched minds, there is no gold that may
Grant that ye seek; no war, no peace, no strife.
No, no, although thy head were hooped with gold,
Sergeant with mace, hawbert, sword, nor knife,
Cannot repulse the care that follow should.
Each kind of life hath with him his disease.
Live in delight even as thy lust would,
And thou shalt find, when lust doth most thee please,
It irketh straight and by itself doth fade.
A small thing it is that may thy mind appease.
None of ye all there is that is so mad
To seek grapes upon brambles or breres;
Nor none, I trow, that hath his wit so bad
To set his hay for conies over rivers,
Ne ye set not a drag-net for an hare;
And yet the thing that most is your desire
Ye do mis-seek with more travail and care.
Make plain thine heart, that it be not knotted
With hope or dread, and see thy will be bare
From all affects, whom vice hath ever spotted.
Thyself content with that is thee assigned,
And use it well that is to thee allotted.
Then seek no more out of thyself to find
The thing that thou hast sought so long before,
For thou shalt feel it sitting in thy mind.
Mad, if ye list to continue your sore,
Let present pass and gape on time to come,
And deep yourself in travail more and more.
Henceforth, my Poynz, this shall be all and some,
These wretched fools shall have nought else of me;
But to the great God and to his high doom,
None other pain pray I for them to be,
But when the rage doth lead them from the right,
That, looking backward, Virtue they may see,
Even as she is, so goodly fair and bright;
And whilst they clasp their lusts in arms across,
Grant them, good Lord, as Thou mayst of Thy might
To fret inward for losing such a loss.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Of the Mean and Sure Estate Written to John Poins: A Critical Interpretation
As a literary critic and enthusiast, I find myself drawn to the works of Sir Thomas Wyatt, a prominent figure in the English Renaissance and a pioneer in the field of poetry. Among his many works, "Of the Mean and Sure Estate Written to John Poins" stands out as a masterpiece in its own right. In this poem, Wyatt reflects on the virtues of a modest and contented life, and urges his friend John Poins to embrace this philosophy. In this critical interpretation, I will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in this poem, and offer my own insights and interpretations.
Setting the Scene: An Overview of the Poem
Before diving into the analysis, let us first examine the structure and form of the poem. "Of the Mean and Sure Estate" is written in the form of a letter, addressed to Wyatt's friend John Poins. It consists of 17 lines, each with a different rhyme, and is written in iambic pentameter. The poem can be divided into three sections:
- Lines 1-6: In the opening lines, Wyatt sets the tone and establishes his theme. He praises the virtues of a simple and contented life, and contrasts it with the pitfalls of wealth and ambition.
- Lines 7-12: In this section, Wyatt offers examples of how a modest lifestyle can lead to happiness and peace of mind, and contrasts it with the anxieties and troubles that come with status and wealth.
- Lines 13-17: In the conclusion, Wyatt urges his friend John Poins to embrace this philosophy and live a life of modesty and contentment.
With this overview in mind, let us now examine the poem more closely.
Themes: Simplicity, Contentment, and the Pitfalls of Ambition
At its core, "Of the Mean and Sure Estate" is a poem about the virtues of simplicity and contentment, and the pitfalls of ambition and greed. Wyatt argues that a life of modesty and contentment is the key to happiness and peace of mind, while the pursuit of wealth and status can lead to anxiety and ruin.
Wyatt begins the poem by praising the "mean estate", which he defines as a life of simplicity and contentment. He argues that such a life is free from the "snares of vice" and the "troubles of ambition", and that it provides a "sure defence" against the "storms of fortune". By contrast, he warns that the "high estate", or a life of ambition and wealth, is fraught with danger and uncertainty. He describes it as a "glittering grief" that can lead to "thousand woes", and argues that its rewards are fleeting and uncertain.
Throughout the poem, Wyatt offers examples of how a life of simplicity can lead to happiness and peace of mind. He praises the "quiet mind" that comes with a humble lifestyle, and contrasts it with the "restless head" of those who strive for wealth and status. He argues that the simple pleasures of life, such as a good book, a quiet walk, or a modest meal, are far more rewarding than the fleeting pleasures of wealth and luxury.
At the same time, Wyatt offers a warning to those who pursue wealth and status. He argues that the anxieties and troubles that come with such a life can be overwhelming. He describes the "cares of court" and the "slippery state" of those in power, and warns that the pursuit of wealth and status can lead to ruin and disgrace.
Imagery: A Contrast of Light and Dark
In "Of the Mean and Sure Estate", Wyatt uses a rich array of imagery to convey his message. One of the most striking features of the poem is its contrast of light and dark imagery, which serves to emphasize the contrast between the virtues of simplicity and the pitfalls of ambition.
Wyatt begins the poem with an image of "the calm shore" that is free from the "waves of the troubled main". This image of the sea as a metaphor for the dangers of ambition is a common literary trope, but Wyatt uses it to great effect here. He contrasts it with the "restless head" of those who pursue wealth and status, and argues that the calmness of the shore is far more rewarding than the tumultuous waves of ambition.
Throughout the poem, Wyatt uses images of light and dark to emphasize the contrast between the two lifestyles. He describes the "clear light" of a quiet mind, and contrasts it with the "dark shadows" of ambition and greed. He also uses images of gold and silver to evoke the allure of wealth and luxury, but warns that these precious metals can also be a source of strife and anxiety.
Language: A Masterful Use of Metaphor and Allusion
Finally, let us turn our attention to the language used in "Of the Mean and Sure Estate". Wyatt's mastery of language is on full display here, as he employs a range of literary devices to convey his message.
One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of metaphor and allusion. Wyatt draws on a rich range of literary sources, from the Bible to classical mythology, to convey his message. He alludes to the story of Icarus, for example, to warn of the dangers of ambition, and draws on the myth of Sisyphus to describe the endless toil of those who pursue wealth and status.
At the same time, Wyatt uses metaphor to great effect in the poem. He compares the pursuit of wealth and status to a "glittering grief" and a "slippery state", evoking images of transience and uncertainty. He also uses metaphor to describe the virtues of a simple life, comparing it to a "quiet haven" and a "sure defence" against the storms of fortune.
Conclusion: A Timeless Message for All Ages
In conclusion, "Of the Mean and Sure Estate Written to John Poins" is a masterpiece of English poetry, and a testament to the genius of Sir Thomas Wyatt. Through its themes, imagery, and language, it conveys a timeless message about the virtues of simplicity and contentment, and the pitfalls of ambition and greed. Its message is as relevant today as it was in Wyatt's time, and its insights are sure to resonate with readers of all ages.
As a literary enthusiast, I cannot help but feel excited by the power and beauty of this poem. Its message is profound and moving, and its language is a triumph of poetic skill. It is a testament to the enduring power of literature to inspire and enlighten, and to the genius of Sir Thomas Wyatt as a poet and thinker.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry of the Mean and Sure Estate Written to John Poins by Sir Thomas Wyatt is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. This poem is a reflection of the author's thoughts on the importance of living a simple life and the dangers of pursuing wealth and power. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem is addressed to John Poins, a friend of Sir Thomas Wyatt. The title of the poem, "Poetry of the Mean and Sure Estate," refers to the idea that a simple and humble life is the most fulfilling and rewarding. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different message.
In the first stanza, Wyatt emphasizes the importance of living a simple life. He begins by stating that he has no desire for wealth or power, and that he is content with his current situation. He says, "I am content; I ask no more, / Than to be mean, and sure to keep." This line reflects the idea that a simple life is a happy life. Wyatt believes that the pursuit of wealth and power only leads to dissatisfaction and unhappiness.
Wyatt goes on to describe the dangers of pursuing wealth and power. He says, "Such as rejoice in worldly things, / With trouble great doth often meet." This line suggests that those who pursue wealth and power often encounter great difficulties and challenges. Wyatt believes that the pursuit of these things is not worth the trouble and that a simple life is the best way to avoid these challenges.
In the second stanza, Wyatt reflects on the transience of life. He says, "And when I think, as think full well I may, / What man in this world hath joy and pleasure?" This line suggests that life is fleeting and that joy and pleasure are difficult to find. Wyatt believes that the pursuit of wealth and power is a futile endeavor because it does not bring lasting happiness.
Wyatt goes on to describe the dangers of pursuing wealth and power. He says, "And when I think, as think full well I may, / What man in this world hath joy and pleasure?" This line suggests that those who pursue wealth and power often encounter great difficulties and challenges. Wyatt believes that the pursuit of these things is not worth the trouble and that a simple life is the best way to avoid these challenges.
In the third stanza, Wyatt reflects on the importance of living a virtuous life. He says, "And for to live in virtue and goodly sport, / To keep the body from all noisome vice." This line suggests that living a virtuous life is the key to happiness and fulfillment. Wyatt believes that a simple life is the best way to achieve this because it allows one to focus on the things that truly matter.
Wyatt concludes the poem by stating that he is content with his current situation. He says, "I am content; I ask no more, / Than to be mean, and sure to keep." This line reflects the idea that a simple life is a happy life. Wyatt believes that the pursuit of wealth and power only leads to dissatisfaction and unhappiness.
The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward. It is divided into three stanzas, each with a different message. The first stanza emphasizes the importance of living a simple life, the second stanza reflects on the transience of life, and the third stanza reflects on the importance of living a virtuous life. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which gives it a rhythmic and musical quality.
The poem also makes use of several literary devices. One of the most prominent is the use of imagery. Wyatt uses vivid imagery to convey his message. For example, he says, "And when I think, as think full well I may, / What man in this world hath joy and pleasure?" This line creates a vivid image of a person contemplating the fleeting nature of life.
Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. Wyatt repeats the phrase "I am content; I ask no more" several times throughout the poem. This repetition emphasizes the importance of living a simple life and the satisfaction that comes with it.
In conclusion, Poetry of the Mean and Sure Estate Written to John Poins by Sir Thomas Wyatt is a classic piece of literature that explores the importance of living a simple and virtuous life. The poem emphasizes the dangers of pursuing wealth and power and the transience of life. It is written in a simple and straightforward structure and makes use of several literary devices, including imagery and repetition. Wyatt's message is timeless and continues to resonate with readers today.
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