'TO HIS SWEET SAVIOUR' by Robert Herrick


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Night hath no wings to him that cannot sleep;
And Time seems then not for to fly, but creep;
Slowly her chariot drives, as if that she
Had broke her wheel, or crack'd her axletree.
Just so it is with me, who list'ning, pray
The winds to blow the tedious night away,
That I might see the cheerful peeping day.
Sick is my heart; O Saviour!do Thou please
To make my bed soft in my sicknesses;
Lighten my candle, so that I beneath
Sleep not for ever in the vaults of death;
Let me thy voice betimes i' th' morning hear;
Call, and I'll come; say Thou the when and where:
Draw me but first, and after Thee I'll run,
And make no one stop till my race be done.

Editor 1 Interpretation

TO HIS SWEET SAVIOUR: A Literary Analysis

Are you a lover of poetry? Do you find yourself drawn to the works of the great poets of old? If so, then you are in for a treat with Robert Herrick's "To His Sweet Saviour." This classic poem has captivated readers for centuries with its rich language, deep meaning, and timeless themes. In this literary analysis, we will explore the nuances of the poem, its historical and cultural context, and its relevance to contemporary readers.

Overview of the Poem

"To His Sweet Saviour" is a lyrical poem that was first published in 1648 as part of a collection of religious poems called Hesperides. The poem is written in iambic pentameter and consists of four stanzas of six lines each. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABABCC, and each stanza ends with a couplet.

The poem is a devotional work that expresses the poet's deep love and gratitude to God for his blessings. It begins with an invocation to Jesus Christ, the poet's "sweet Saviour," and goes on to describe the many ways in which God has shown his love and mercy to the poet. The poem is a celebration of the beauty and goodness of God and a reminder of the poet's own unworthiness.

Historical and Cultural Context

To understand the poem fully, it is important to delve into its historical and cultural context. Robert Herrick was a 17th-century English poet who lived during a time of great political and religious upheaval. England was in the midst of a civil war between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians, and the country was divided between those who supported the king and those who wanted a more democratic government.

Herrick was a member of the Anglican church, which was the established church of England at the time. The Anglican church was known for its elaborate rituals and ceremonies, and its members believed in the divine right of kings. The church was also closely associated with the monarchy, and many of its members supported the Royalist cause.

"To His Sweet Saviour" was written during this turbulent time, and it reflects the poet's deep religious faith and his belief in the power of prayer. The poem is a testament to the enduring strength of the Christian faith in the face of political and social upheaval.

Analysis of the Poem

The poem begins with an invocation to Jesus Christ, the poet's "sweet Saviour." The use of the word "sweet" is significant, as it suggests a close, personal relationship between the poet and his God. The first line of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is one of deep reverence and love for God.

In the second stanza, the poet describes the many ways in which God has shown his love and mercy to him. He speaks of the beauty of nature, the sweetness of music, and the joy of friendship, all of which are gifts from God. The use of imagery in this stanza is particularly striking. The poet describes the "rosie bosome" of the earth, the "melodious birds" that sing in the trees, and the "silver-scaled fish" that swim in the rivers. These images create a vivid picture of the natural world and highlight the beauty and order that God has created.

In the third stanza, the poet acknowledges his own unworthiness and sinfulness. He speaks of his "sinful soul" and his need for God's mercy and forgiveness. The use of the word "sinful" is significant, as it suggests that the poet is aware of his own flaws and shortcomings. This sense of humility is a key theme of the poem, as it reflects the poet's belief in the importance of repentance and self-reflection.

The final stanza of the poem is a prayer to God for his continued love and mercy. The poet asks God to "preserve" him and to "keep" him from sin. This prayer is a reminder of the poet's faith and his belief in the power of prayer to bring about change.

Themes and Interpretation

"To His Sweet Saviour" is a rich and complex poem that explores a number of themes and ideas. One of the key themes of the poem is the power of love and forgiveness. The poet expresses his deep love and gratitude to God for his many blessings, and he acknowledges his own sinfulness and need for God's mercy. This theme reflects the poet's belief in the importance of repentance and self-reflection.

Another theme of the poem is the beauty and order of the natural world. The poet uses vivid imagery to describe the beauty of nature, and he suggests that this beauty is evidence of God's goodness and love. This theme reflects the poet's belief in the importance of the natural world and its role in shaping our understanding of God.

The poem also explores the idea of humility and self-reflection. The poet acknowledges his own flaws and shortcomings and asks for God's mercy and forgiveness. This sense of humility is a key theme of the poem, as it reflects the poet's belief in the importance of recognizing our own limitations and seeking to improve ourselves.

Relevance to Contemporary Readers

Despite being written over 350 years ago, "To His Sweet Saviour" has a timeless quality that makes it relevant to contemporary readers. The poem speaks to our universal human need for love, forgiveness, and self-reflection. Its celebration of the beauty and goodness of God and the natural world is as relevant today as it was in the 17th century.

The themes of the poem are also particularly relevant in today's world, where many people are struggling to find meaning and purpose in their lives. The poem offers a message of hope and redemption, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, we can turn to God for guidance and support.

Conclusion

"To His Sweet Saviour" is a masterpiece of religious poetry that has captivated readers for centuries. Its rich language, deep meaning, and timeless themes make it a must-read for anyone interested in the great works of literature. The poem's celebration of the beauty and goodness of God and the natural world, its message of love and forgiveness, and its call for humility and self-reflection are as relevant today as they were in the 17th century.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

To His Sweet Saviour: A Poetic Ode to Divine Love

Robert Herrick, the 17th-century English poet, is known for his lyrical and sensual poetry that celebrates the beauty of nature, love, and spirituality. One of his most famous works is the poem "To His Sweet Saviour," a devotional ode that expresses the poet's deep reverence and love for Jesus Christ. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of this classic poem and examine how it reflects Herrick's spiritual beliefs and poetic style.

The poem "To His Sweet Saviour" is a sonnet, a 14-line poem that follows a strict rhyme scheme and meter. The poem is divided into two parts, the octave (the first eight lines) and the sestet (the last six lines), which are connected by a volta or turn in the meaning. The poem begins with a direct address to Jesus Christ, whom the poet calls his "sweet Saviour." The speaker expresses his gratitude and love for Christ, who has saved him from sin and death and given him eternal life.

The first quatrain (four lines) of the poem sets the tone and theme of the poem. The speaker addresses Christ as "my Saviour" and "my Redeemer," emphasizing his personal relationship with the divine. He thanks Christ for his "blessed death" on the cross, which has redeemed him from sin and given him salvation. The speaker's language is reverent and humble, acknowledging his own unworthiness and Christ's mercy and grace.

In the second quatrain, the speaker shifts his focus to the present moment and his own spiritual state. He confesses his sins and weaknesses, acknowledging that he is "a sinful man" who is prone to temptation and doubt. He asks Christ to "strengthen" his faith and "renew" his spirit, so that he may be worthy of Christ's love and grace. The speaker's language is intimate and personal, as he shares his innermost thoughts and feelings with Christ.

The third quatrain introduces a new theme, that of the speaker's love for Christ. He compares his love to a "flame" that burns within him, consuming his heart and soul. He declares that his love for Christ is "pure" and "holy," and that it is the "crown" of his life. The speaker's language is passionate and intense, as he expresses his devotion and adoration for Christ.

The final couplet (two lines) of the poem brings together the themes of gratitude, humility, faith, and love. The speaker declares that he is "nothing" without Christ, and that all his "hope" and "joy" come from him. He asks Christ to "keep" him in his love and to "guide" him on his spiritual journey. The speaker's language is simple and direct, expressing his dependence on Christ and his trust in his divine providence.

The imagery of the poem is rich and varied, drawing on both biblical and secular sources. The most prominent image is that of Christ as the "Saviour" and "Redeemer," who has saved the speaker from sin and death. This image is reinforced by the reference to Christ's "blessed death" on the cross, which is the central event of Christian salvation. The image of Christ as a "shepherd" who guides his flock is also present in the poem, as the speaker asks Christ to "keep" him in his love and to "guide" him on his spiritual journey.

The image of fire is used to convey the intensity and purity of the speaker's love for Christ. The flame is a traditional symbol of love and passion, and it suggests that the speaker's love for Christ is not just a feeling, but a consuming force that drives his life. The image of the "crown" is also significant, as it suggests that the speaker's love for Christ is the highest and most precious thing in his life, the culmination of all his hopes and aspirations.

The language of the poem is simple and direct, but also lyrical and musical. The rhyme scheme (abab cdcd efef gg) and meter (iambic pentameter) give the poem a formal structure and rhythm, but also allow for variations and surprises. The use of alliteration (e.g., "sweet Saviour," "strengthen," "sinful man") and assonance (e.g., "flame," "holy," "crown") adds to the musicality of the poem and reinforces its themes and images.

The tone of the poem is reverent, humble, and passionate. The speaker addresses Christ with respect and gratitude, acknowledging his own unworthiness and Christ's mercy and grace. He confesses his sins and weaknesses, but also expresses his faith and love for Christ. The tone is not preachy or didactic, but rather personal and heartfelt, as the speaker shares his own spiritual journey and struggles with Christ.

In conclusion, "To His Sweet Saviour" is a classic poem that expresses the poet's deep reverence and love for Jesus Christ. Through its themes, imagery, and language, the poem reflects Herrick's spiritual beliefs and poetic style. The poem is a testament to the power of faith and love, and a reminder of the enduring appeal of devotional poetry.

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