'The Faire Begger' by Richard Lovelace


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I.
Comanding asker, if it be
Pity that you faine would have,
Then I turne begger unto thee,
And aske the thing that thou dost crave.
I will suffice thy hungry need,
So thou wilt but my fancy feed.

II.
In all ill yeares, was ever knowne
On so much beauty such a dearth?
Which, in that thrice-bequeathed gowne,
Lookes like the Sun eclipst with Earth,
Like gold in canvas, or with dirt
Unsoyled Ermins close begirt.

III.
Yet happy he, that can but tast
This whiter skin, who thirsty is!
Fooles dote on sattin motions lac'd:
The gods go naked in their blisse.
At th' barrell's head there shines the vine,
There only relishes the wine.

IV.
There quench my heat, and thou shalt sup
Worthy the lips that it must touch,
Nectar from out the starry cup:
I beg thy breath not halfe so much.
So both our wants supplied shall be,
You'l give for love, I, charity.

V.
Cheape then are pearle-imbroderies,
That not adorne, but cloud thy wast;
Thou shalt be cloath'd above all prise,
If thou wilt promise me imbrac't.
Wee'l ransack neither chest nor shelfe:
Ill cover thee with mine owne selfe.

VI.
But, cruel, if thou dost deny
This necessary almes to me,
What soft-soul'd man but with his eye
And hand will hence be shut to thee?
Since all must judge you more unkinde:
I starve your body, you, my minde.


Editor 1 Interpretation

The Beauty and Tragedy of Poverty in Richard Lovelace's "The Faire Begger"

Richard Lovelace's "The Faire Begger" is a poem that speaks to the heart and soul of anyone who has experienced poverty or known someone who has. The poem follows the tale of a beggar who, despite her condition, remains hopeful and determined to make the most of her life. The poem is a masterpiece of literary technique and imagery, and it offers a profound insight into the human condition.

The Beggar's Plight

At the heart of "The Faire Begger" is the plight of the beggar. Lovelace paints a vivid picture of the beggar's life, describing her as "pale and wan" and "with tatter'd cloaths, but in them shone / A princely bravery." The beggar's poverty is evident in her appearance, but what is truly striking is her resilience and inner strength.

Despite her poverty, the beggar remains determined to live life on her own terms. She is "free as the air" and refuses to be bound by the expectations of society. Her poverty may limit her material possessions, but it does not diminish her spirit.

The Beauty of Poverty

One of the most striking things about "The Faire Begger" is the way in which Lovelace portrays poverty as beautiful. The beggar may be destitute, but she possesses a kind of beauty that transcends material wealth. Her poverty is not a limitation but rather a source of strength and resilience.

Lovelace's poem challenges the conventional wisdom that poverty is a curse. Instead, he suggests that poverty can be a blessing in disguise, offering individuals the opportunity to discover their inner strength and rise above the limitations of material wealth.

The Tragedy of Poverty

At the same time, "The Faire Begger" is also a poignant reminder of the tragedy of poverty. The beggar's poverty may be beautiful, but it is also a source of pain and suffering. She is forced to endure hunger, cold, and humiliation on a daily basis, and she lacks the basic necessities of life.

Lovelace's poem is a powerful critique of the social and economic systems that perpetuate poverty. He suggests that poverty is not an individual failing but rather the result of broader societal inequalities.

The Power of Hope

Despite the tragedy of poverty, "The Faire Begger" is ultimately a poem of hope. The beggar refuses to give up on life, and she remains optimistic about the future. She dreams of a better life, and she is determined to make it a reality.

Lovelace's poem is a powerful reminder of the power of hope in the face of adversity. Even in the darkest of times, hope can sustain us and give us the strength to carry on.

Conclusion

Richard Lovelace's "The Faire Begger" is a timeless masterpiece that speaks to the human condition in a profound way. The poem offers a beautiful and tragic portrait of poverty, and it celebrates the resilience and strength of the human spirit. It is a powerful reminder of the power of hope in the face of adversity and a call to action to address the societal inequalities that perpetuate poverty.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Faire Begger: A Masterpiece of Love and Despair

Richard Lovelace, one of the most celebrated poets of the seventeenth century, wrote a masterpiece of love and despair, The Faire Begger. The poem is a beautiful and melancholic portrayal of a beggar who is in love with a woman of noble birth. The poem is a perfect example of Lovelace's mastery of language and his ability to evoke powerful emotions in his readers.

The poem begins with the beggar describing his love for the woman. He compares her to the sun, the moon, and the stars, and he declares that he would give up everything he has just to be with her. The beggar's love for the woman is pure and selfless, and it is evident in every line of the poem.

However, the beggar's love is unrequited, and he is forced to beg for his survival. He describes his life as a beggar, and he talks about the hardships he faces every day. He is constantly hungry, and he has to endure the cold and the rain. He is also subjected to the ridicule and contempt of the people around him.

Despite his hardships, the beggar remains hopeful. He believes that one day, the woman he loves will see him for who he truly is, and she will love him in return. He dreams of a life where he and the woman can be together, and he imagines a world where they can be happy.

The poem is a powerful commentary on the social and economic inequalities of the seventeenth century. The beggar is a symbol of the poor and the marginalized, and his love for the woman is a symbol of the desire for social mobility. The woman, on the other hand, represents the aristocracy and the privileged class, and her rejection of the beggar's love is a symbol of the social barriers that existed in the seventeenth century.

Lovelace's use of language is masterful. He employs a variety of poetic devices, such as metaphors, similes, and personification, to create a vivid and emotional portrayal of the beggar's life. His use of imagery is particularly striking, as he paints a picture of a world that is both beautiful and cruel.

The poem is also notable for its use of rhyme and meter. Lovelace employs a strict rhyme scheme and a regular meter, which gives the poem a musical quality. The poem is easy to read and easy to remember, which makes it a popular choice for recitation and performance.

In conclusion, The Faire Begger is a masterpiece of love and despair. It is a powerful commentary on the social and economic inequalities of the seventeenth century, and it is a testament to Lovelace's mastery of language and poetic form. The poem is a timeless work of art that continues to inspire and move readers today.

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