'On the Death of E. Waller, Esq.' by Arphra Behn
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How, to thy Sacred Memory, shall I bring
(Worthy thy Fame) a grateful Offering?
I, who by Toils of Sickness, am become
Almost as near as thou art to a Tomb?
While every soft, and every tender Strain
Is ruffl'd, and ill-natur'd grown with Pain.
But, at thy Name, my languisht Muse revives,
And a new Spark in the dull Ashes strives.
I hear thy tuneful Verse, thy Song Divine;
And am lnspir'd by every charming Line.
But, Oh! –––––––––
What Inspiration, at the second hand,
Can an Immortal Elegic Command?
Unless, Me Pious Offerings, mine should be
Made Sacred, being Consecrate to thee.
Eternal, as thy own Almighty Verse,
Should be those Trophies that adom thy Hearse.
The Thought Illustrious, and the Fancy Young;
The Wit Sublime, the Judgment Fine, and Strong;
Soft, as thy Notes to Sacharissa sung.
Whilst mine, like Transitory Flowers, decay,
That come to deck thy Tomb a short-liv'd Day.
Such Tributes are, like Tenures, only fit
To shew from whom we hold our Right to Wit.
Hafl, wondrous Bard, whose Heav'n-born Genius first
My Infant Muse, and Blooming Fancy Nurst.
With thy soft Food of Love I first began,
Then fed on nobler Panegyrick Strain,
Numbers Seraphic! and, at every View,
My Soul extended, and much larger grew:
Where e're I Read, new Raptures seiz'd my Blood;
Methought I heard the Language of a God.
Long did the untun'd World in Ignorance stray,
Producing nothing that was Great and Gay,
Till taught, by thee, the true Poetick way.
Rough were the Tracts before, Dull, and Obscure;
Nor Pleasure, nor Instruction could procure.
Their thoughtless Labour could no Passion move;
Sure, in that Age, the Poets knew not Love:
That Charming God, like Apparitions, then
Was only talk'd on, but ne're seen by Men:
Darkness was o're the Muses Land displaid,
And even the Chosen Tribe unguided straid.
Till, by thee rescu'd from th' Egyptian Night,
They now look up, and view the God of Light,
That taught them how to Love, and how to Write;
And to Enhance the Blessing which Heav'n lent,
When for our great Instructor thou wert sent.
Large was thy Life, but yet thy Glories more;
And, like the Sun, did still dispense thy Power,
Producing somthing wondrous every hour:
And, in thy Circulary Course, didst see
The very Life and Death of Poetry.
Thou saw'st the Generous Nine neglected lie,
None listning to their Heav'nly Harmony;
The World being grown to that low Ebb of Sense,
To disesteem the noblest Excellence;
And no Encouragement to Phophets shewn,
Who in past Ages got so great Renown.
Though Fortune Elevated thee above
Its scanty Gratitude, or fickle Love;
Yet, fallen with the World, untir'd by Age,
Scorning th'unthinking Crowd, thou quit'st the Stage.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Critique of Aphra Behn's "On the Death of E. Waller, Esq."
Aphra Behn's "On the Death of E. Waller, Esq." is a poem that commemorates the death of a renowned poet of the Restoration period, Edmund Waller. This elegiac poem is an ode to Waller's life and work, and it reflects on the nature of poetry and its power to immortalize its subject. In this critique, I will examine the poem's themes, structure, language, and symbolism, and provide my own interpretation of its meaning and significance.
Themes
The poem's main theme is the power of poetry to transcend mortality and preserve the memory of the dead. Behn depicts Waller as a great poet whose words will outlast his body and remain in the hearts and minds of generations to come. Through her elegy, Behn seeks to immortalize Waller and his work, to ensure that he will be remembered by future poets and readers. The poem also explores the nature of poetic inspiration and creativity, suggesting that poetry arises from a divine source and that the poet is merely a vessel for its expression.
Another important theme in the poem is the relationship between the poet and his subject. Behn depicts Waller as a mentor and inspiration to her own poetic endeavors, and she expresses her admiration and gratitude for his influence on her work. This theme speaks to the idea of literary influence and the ways in which poets build on the work of their predecessors.
Structure
The poem is structured as a series of elegiac couplets, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB. This formal structure gives the poem a sense of elegance and dignity, befitting its subject matter. The poem's length, at 117 lines, also contributes to its sense of grandeur and importance. The poem is divided into three parts: an introduction, a tribute to Waller, and a conclusion. The introduction sets the tone for the poem, establishing the speaker's grief and lamentation. The tribute to Waller is the longest part of the poem, and it includes descriptions of his life, work, and legacy. The conclusion offers a final reflection on Waller's death and his continuing influence on the world of poetry.
Language
The language of the poem is rich and ornate, with frequent use of poetic devices such as metaphor, alliteration, and personification. Behn's use of language adds to the poem's sense of grandeur and importance, and it elevates Waller to the status of a literary giant. The poem's use of classical allusions and imagery also contributes to its sense of erudition and sophistication, aligning Waller's work with the great poets of the past.
The poem's language is also notable for its emotional intensity. The speaker's grief is palpable in every line, and she uses language to convey the depth of her sorrow. The poem is filled with images of loss and mourning, such as "sighing winds" and "tearful streams," that express the speaker's sense of grief and despair.
Symbolism
The poem makes use of several symbols to convey its themes and ideas. One of the most prominent symbols is the image of the "laurel wreath," which is a traditional symbol of victory and honor in classical literature. The laurel wreath is frequently associated with poets and writers, and it serves as a symbol of Waller's achievement and legacy. Another symbol in the poem is the "Muses," who are depicted as the source of poetic inspiration. The Muses are associated with divine inspiration and creativity, and they serve as a reminder of the transcendent nature of poetry.
Interpretation
"On the Death of E. Waller, Esq." is a poem that pays tribute to a great poet and reflects on the nature of poetry itself. The poem's themes of mortality, memory, and creativity are universal, and they speak to the enduring power of poetry to transcend time and space. Behn's elegy is a fitting tribute to Waller, and it demonstrates her own skill as a poet and her deep respect for the art form.
One possible interpretation of the poem is that it represents a celebration of the continuity of poetic tradition. Just as Waller built on the work of his predecessors, Behn's own poetry is influenced by Waller's writing. In this way, the poem suggests that poetry is an ongoing conversation between poets, with each generation building on the work of those who came before. The poem also highlights the importance of memory and remembrance, suggesting that poets have a responsibility to preserve the memory of their predecessors and ensure that their work is not forgotten.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it represents an exploration of the relationship between poetry and mortality. The poem suggests that poetry has the power to transcend death and to preserve the memory of the dead. Through her elegy, Behn seeks to immortalize Waller and his work, demonstrating the power of poetry to transcend the limits of human experience. The poem also suggests that poetry arises from a divine source, and that the poet is merely a vessel for its expression. In this way, the poem speaks to the transcendent nature of poetic creativity, and its ability to connect us to something greater than ourselves.
Conclusion
Aphra Behn's "On the Death of E. Waller, Esq." is a beautiful and moving elegy that pays tribute to a great poet and reflects on the nature of poetry itself. The poem's themes of mortality, memory, and creativity are universal, and they speak to the enduring power of poetry to transcend time and space. Behn's use of language and symbolism adds to the poem's sense of grandeur and importance, and her emotional intensity makes the poem a powerful tribute to Waller and his work. In the end, the poem stands as a testament to the enduring power of poetry to connect us to something greater than ourselves, and to transcend the limits of our own mortality.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry On the Death of E. Waller, Esq. is a classic poem written by Aphra Behn, a renowned English playwright, poet, and novelist. This poem is a tribute to the famous English poet Edmund Waller, who was a contemporary of Behn. The poem is a beautiful elegy that captures the essence of Waller's life and work, and it is a testament to Behn's poetic talent.
The poem begins with a somber tone, as Behn mourns the loss of Waller. She describes him as a "mighty bard" who has left the world, leaving behind a legacy of great poetry. Behn's admiration for Waller is evident in her words, as she praises his poetic skills and his ability to capture the beauty of nature and love in his verses.
Behn's admiration for Waller is not limited to his poetic skills alone. She also praises his character and his contribution to society. She describes him as a man of great wisdom and virtue, who was respected and loved by all who knew him. Behn's words are a testament to the impact that Waller had on the people around him, and the influence that his poetry had on the literary world.
As the poem progresses, Behn's tone becomes more reflective, as she contemplates the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. She acknowledges that death is a natural part of life, but she also laments the loss of great minds like Waller's. Behn's words are a reminder that even the greatest minds are not immune to the ravages of time, and that death is a reminder of our own mortality.
Behn's elegy is not just a tribute to Waller, but also a celebration of life and the power of poetry. She reminds us that poetry has the ability to transcend time and space, and that it can capture the essence of life in a way that nothing else can. Behn's words are a testament to the power of poetry, and the impact that it can have on our lives.
The poem ends with a hopeful tone, as Behn looks to the future and the legacy that Waller has left behind. She acknowledges that Waller's poetry will live on, and that it will continue to inspire generations to come. Behn's words are a reminder that even in death, Waller's legacy will continue to live on, and that his poetry will continue to touch the hearts of people around the world.
In conclusion, Poetry On the Death of E. Waller, Esq. is a beautiful elegy that captures the essence of Edmund Waller's life and work. Behn's words are a testament to the impact that Waller had on the literary world, and the influence that his poetry had on the people around him. Behn's elegy is not just a tribute to Waller, but also a celebration of life and the power of poetry. Her words are a reminder that even in death, Waller's legacy will continue to live on, and that his poetry will continue to inspire generations to come.
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