'THE WASSAIL' by Robert Herrick
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Give way, give way, ye gates, and win
An easy blessing to your bin
And basket, by our entering in.
May both with manchet stand replete;
Your larders, too, so hung with meat,
That though a thousand, thousand eat,
Yet, ere twelve moons shall whirl about
Their silv'ry spheres, there's none may doubt
But more's sent in than was served out.
Next, may your dairies prosper so,
As that your pans no ebb may know;
But if they do, the more to flow,
Like to a solemn sober stream,
Bank'd all with lilies, and the cream
Of sweetest cowslips filling them.
Then may your plants be press'd with fruit,
Nor bee or hive you have be mute,
But sweetly sounding like a lute.
Last, may your harrows, shares, and ploughs,
Your stacks, your stocks, your sweetest mows,
All prosper by your virgin-vows.
--Alas!we bless, but see none here,
That brings us either ale or beer;
In a dry-house all things are near.
Let's leave a longer time to wait,
Where rust and cobwebs bind the gate;
And all live here with needy fate;
Where chimneys do for ever weep
For want of warmth, and stomachs keep
With noise the servants' eyes from sleep.
It is in vain to sing, or stay
Our free feet here, but we'll away:
Yet to the Lares this we'll say:
'The time will come when you'll be sad,
'And reckon this for fortune bad,
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Wassail by Robert Herrick: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Are you feeling the chill in the air yet? It's that time of the year when we all crave warmth and comfort. And what better way to cozy up than to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine while reading some classic poetry? Today, I want to introduce you to one of my favorites - "The Wassail" by Robert Herrick. This poem is a celebration of the winter solstice and the tradition of wassailing, which involves singing and drinking to ensure a good harvest in the coming year.
The Poem
Before we dive into the analysis, let's first take a look at the poem itself:
Wassail the trees, that they may bear
You many a plum and many a pear;
For more or less fruits they will bring,
As you do give them wassailing.
Herrick, Robert (1591-1674). The Poetical Works of Robert Herrick (p. 72). Kindle Edition.
At first glance, it may seem like a simple and straightforward poem. But as we delve deeper, we realize that there's more to it than meets the eye.
Analysis
Structure
Let's start by examining the structure of the poem. "The Wassail" consists of four lines, each containing eight syllables. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, with the first and third lines rhyming with each other, and the second and fourth lines rhyming with each other. This creates a sense of balance and harmony, which is fitting for a poem about celebrating the abundance of nature.
Theme
The theme of the poem is closely tied to the tradition of wassailing. Wassailing is an ancient custom that involves singing and drinking to the health of trees in the hopes of ensuring a bountiful harvest in the coming year. In "The Wassail," Robert Herrick urges us to wassail the trees so that they may bear fruit. He reminds us that the more we give, the more we will receive. This theme of reciprocity is common in many folk traditions and emphasizes the importance of giving back to nature.
Imagery
One of the things that make "The Wassail" so enchanting is its vivid imagery. The poem conjures up images of orchards filled with plum and pear trees, ripe for the picking. The repetition of the word "many" in the second line emphasizes the abundance of fruit that the trees can provide. The use of the verb "bear" in the first line personifies the trees, making them seem almost human. This creates a sense of intimacy between nature and humanity, highlighting our interconnectedness.
Language
Robert Herrick's language is simple yet effective. He uses everyday words and phrases to convey his message, making the poem accessible to everyone. The use of the imperative verb "Wassail" in the first line is a call to action, urging us to participate in the tradition of wassailing. The repetition of the word "you" in the first and third lines emphasizes the importance of our role in ensuring a good harvest. The last line of the poem, "As you do give them wassailing," is particularly powerful. It reminds us that we have the power to shape our own destiny and that our actions have consequences.
Historical Context
To truly appreciate "The Wassail," we must also understand its historical context. The poem was written in the 17th century, when the tradition of wassailing was still prevalent in England. Wassailing was typically done on the eve of Twelfth Night (January 5th) or on Old Twelfth Night (January 17th), which marked the end of the Christmas season. The custom involved singing and drinking, as well as the burning of a wassail bowl filled with spiced ale or cider. The bowl would be passed around, and each person would take a sip and offer a toast to the health of the trees.
Interpretation
So, what does "The Wassail" mean? On the surface, it's a simple poem about a folk tradition. But if we look deeper, we can see that it's also a meditation on our relationship with nature. Robert Herrick reminds us that we are not separate from the natural world but are instead a part of it. We rely on nature for our survival, and we have a responsibility to care for it in return. By wassailing the trees, we are not only ensuring a good harvest but also showing gratitude for all that nature provides.
Furthermore, "The Wassail" can be seen as a commentary on the human condition. We are constantly striving for more - more money, more possessions, more power. But Robert Herrick reminds us that true abundance comes not from taking but from giving. By giving to nature, we receive in return. This message is particularly relevant in today's society, where we are facing environmental crises and a growing disconnect from nature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Wassail" by Robert Herrick is a beautiful and timeless poem. It reminds us of the importance of tradition, the power of nature, and the need for reciprocity. Its language is simple yet powerful, and its imagery is evocative. So why not cozy up with a hot drink and read "The Wassail" this winter solstice? Who knows, it might just inspire you to go wassailing yourself.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Wassail: A Classic Poem by Robert Herrick
If you're a fan of classic poetry, then you've probably come across Robert Herrick's "The Wassail." This poem is a beautiful and lively celebration of the winter season, and it's one that has stood the test of time. In this article, we'll take a closer look at "The Wassail" and explore its themes, structure, and meaning.
First, let's start with a little background on the poem's author. Robert Herrick was a 17th-century English poet who is best known for his collection of poems called "Hesperides." He was born in London in 1591 and spent most of his life as a country parson in Devonshire. Herrick's poetry is known for its wit, charm, and lyrical beauty, and "The Wassail" is no exception.
Now, let's dive into the poem itself. "The Wassail" is a six-stanza poem that celebrates the tradition of wassailing, which was a popular custom in England during the winter months. Wassailing involved going from house to house, singing carols, and drinking toasts to the health of the household. The word "wassail" comes from the Old English phrase "waes hael," which means "be well."
The poem begins with a lively and festive tone, as Herrick invites his readers to join in the wassailing tradition:
"Wassail! wassail! all over the town, Our toast it is white and our ale it is brown; Our bowl it is made of the white maple tree; With the wassailing bowl, we'll drink to thee."
Right away, we get a sense of the joy and merriment that comes with wassailing. The repetition of "wassail" creates a sense of unity and community, as if everyone is coming together to celebrate. The mention of the white maple tree and the wassailing bowl also adds to the festive atmosphere, as if the very objects themselves are imbued with magic and tradition.
The second stanza continues the celebration, as Herrick describes the various elements of the wassailing tradition:
"Here's to the maid in the lily-white smock, Who tripped to the door and slipped back the lock! Who tripped to the door and pulled back the pin, For to let these jolly wassailers in."
This stanza introduces the idea of the "maid in the lily-white smock," who is a central figure in the wassailing tradition. The maid is often seen as a symbol of fertility and renewal, and her presence is meant to bring good luck and prosperity to the household. The image of her tripping to the door and pulling back the pin adds to the sense of whimsy and magic that surrounds the wassailing tradition.
The third stanza takes a more reflective turn, as Herrick acknowledges the passing of time and the fleeting nature of life:
"Come, butler, come, bring us a bowl of the best; I hope your soul in heaven may rest; But if you do bring us a bowl of the small, Then down shall go butler, bowl, and all."
Here, Herrick is reminding us that life is short and that we should make the most of it while we can. The mention of the butler's soul in heaven is a nod to the Christian faith that was prevalent in Herrick's time, but it also serves as a reminder that we should strive to live a good life and leave a positive legacy behind us.
The fourth stanza returns to the festive tone of the first two stanzas, as Herrick encourages everyone to join in the wassailing:
"Be here any maids? I suppose here be some; Sure they will not let young men stand on the cold stone! Sing hey O, maids! come trole back the pin, And the fairest maid in the house let us all in."
This stanza is all about inclusivity and community. Herrick is encouraging everyone to join in the celebration, regardless of their gender or social status. The mention of the "fairest maid in the house" is a nod to the tradition of choosing a "queen" of the wassail, who would lead the singing and dancing.
The fifth stanza takes a more somber turn, as Herrick reflects on the hardships of winter:
"Then here's to the maid in the lily-white smock, Who tripped to the door and slipped back the lock! Who tripped to the door and pulled back the pin, For to let these jolly wassailers in.
This stanza is a repetition of the second stanza, but with a slight variation. By repeating the stanza, Herrick is emphasizing the importance of the maid in the wassailing tradition. But the mention of her slipping back the lock and pulling back the pin takes on a new meaning in this context. It's as if Herrick is acknowledging the difficulties of winter and the need for warmth and shelter.
Finally, the poem ends with a rousing call to action:
"Come, butler, and fill us a bowl of the best; Then we hope that your soul in heaven may rest; But if you do draw us a bowl of the small, Then down shall go butler, bowl, and all."
This final stanza is a repetition of the third stanza, but with a slight variation. By ending the poem with this stanza, Herrick is bringing the poem full circle and emphasizing the importance of living life to the fullest. The call to action is also a reminder that the wassailing tradition is not just about drinking and singing, but about coming together as a community and celebrating the joys of life.
In conclusion, "The Wassail" is a beautiful and lively celebration of the winter season and the wassailing tradition. Through its festive tone, whimsical imagery, and reflective moments, the poem captures the spirit of community and inclusivity that is at the heart of wassailing. Robert Herrick's lyrical and charming style has made "The Wassail" a classic poem that continues to inspire and delight readers to this day.
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