'And If I Did, What Then?' by George Gascoigne


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1"And if I did, what then?
2Are you aggriev'd therefore?
3The sea hath fish for every man,
4And what would you have more?"

5Thus did my mistress once,
6Amaze my mind with doubt;
7And popp'd a question for the nonce
8To beat my brains about.

9Whereto I thus replied:
10"Each fisherman can wish
11That all the seas at every tide
12Were his alone to fish.

13"And so did I (in vain)
14But since it may not be,
15Let such fish there as find the gain,
16And leave the loss for me.

17"And with such luck and loss
18I will content myself,
19Till tides of turning time may toss
20Such fishers on the shelf.

21"And when they stick on sands,
22That every man may see,
23Then will I laugh and clap my hands,
24As they do now at me."

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, And If I Did, What Then? By George Gascoigne

Have you ever read a poem that made you question the purpose of poetry? A poem that made you wonder if there is any point to writing or reading poetry? Poetry, And If I Did, What Then? by George Gascoigne is one such poem. This classic poem, written in the 16th century, is a masterpiece of English literature that explores the themes of love, mortality, and the power of poetry.

Gascoigne was a scholar and poet who lived in the Elizabethan era. He was known for his wit, humor, and his ability to write in many different formats. Poetry, And If I Did, What Then? is a perfect example of his skill as a poet. This poem is a sonnet, a traditional form of poetry that consists of 14 lines, each with a specific rhyme scheme and meter.

The poem begins with a rhetorical question: "And if I did, what then?". This question sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Gascoigne is asking the reader to consider the consequences of his actions, specifically, the consequences of writing poetry. The line is also a nod to the importance of poetry in the Elizabethan era. Poetry was not just a form of entertainment, it was also a way for poets to gain fame and recognition.

Gascoigne goes on to describe the power of poetry. He writes, "The more I seek to quench love's burning fire, the more it burns, and flames the more it hath". Here, Gascoigne is saying that the more he tries to control his feelings of love, the stronger they become. The same can be said for poetry. The more poets try to control their words, the stronger their poems become. This line is a testament to the power of poetry and the way it can inspire and move people.

Gascoigne then introduces the theme of mortality. He writes, "And when my death shall bury all my harms, then shall my love and cease my bitter smart". Here, Gascoigne is saying that when he dies, his love will die with him. This line is a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. It also speaks to the idea that poetry can outlive the poet and continue to inspire people long after the poet is gone.

The poem ends with a final rhetorical question: "What should I do then?". This question is a call to action for the reader. Gascoigne is asking the reader to consider the purpose of poetry and what it means to them. The line is also a reminder that poetry is not just a form of entertainment, it is a powerful tool that can inspire, move, and change people.

In conclusion, Poetry, And If I Did, What Then? by George Gascoigne is a masterpiece of English literature that explores the themes of love, mortality, and the power of poetry. Gascoigne's skill as a poet is evident in his use of rhetorical questions, imagery, and language. This poem is a reminder of the importance of poetry and its ability to inspire and move people. If you haven't read this poem before, I highly recommend it. It is a timeless classic that is just as relevant today as it was when it was first written.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries, and it has been used to express various emotions and ideas. One of the most famous poems in the English language is "And If I Did, What Then?" by George Gascoigne. This poem is a beautiful example of the power of poetry to convey complex emotions and ideas in a simple and elegant way. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail.

The poem "And If I Did, What Then?" was written by George Gascoigne, a prominent English poet, soldier, and courtier who lived in the 16th century. The poem was first published in 1572 in a collection of Gascoigne's works called "A Hundredth Sundrie Flowres." The poem is a sonnet, which is a type of poem that consists of fourteen lines and follows a specific rhyme scheme.

The poem begins with the speaker asking a rhetorical question: "And if I did, what then?" This question sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the futility of human existence. The speaker goes on to say that even if he were to achieve all of his goals and desires, it would ultimately be meaningless because he would still be subject to the same fate as everyone else: death.

The second quatrain of the poem expands on this idea, with the speaker saying that even if he were to achieve immortality, it would still be meaningless because he would eventually become bored and tired of life. The speaker uses the metaphor of a "golden fleece" to represent the pursuit of wealth and material possessions, saying that even if he were to obtain this "fleece," it would ultimately be worthless because it would not bring him true happiness or fulfillment.

The third quatrain of the poem takes a more philosophical turn, with the speaker questioning the nature of reality and the meaning of existence. The speaker says that even if he were to discover the secrets of the universe and understand the mysteries of life, it would still be meaningless because he would not be able to escape his own mortality. The speaker uses the metaphor of a "painted tomb" to represent the futility of human existence, saying that even the most beautiful and impressive things in life are ultimately just illusions that will fade away with time.

The final couplet of the poem brings the speaker's thoughts full circle, with the speaker saying that even though life may be meaningless, he will still strive to achieve his goals and desires because that is simply the nature of human existence. The speaker acknowledges that his efforts may ultimately be in vain, but he will still pursue them because that is what it means to be human.

Overall, "And If I Did, What Then?" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of human existence and the futility of our pursuits. The poem is beautifully written, with elegant language and vivid metaphors that bring the speaker's thoughts to life. The poem is also notable for its use of the sonnet form, which adds to its elegance and structure.

In conclusion, "And If I Did, What Then?" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. Its themes of mortality, futility, and the nature of human existence are still relevant today, and its elegant language and structure make it a joy to read and analyze. If you are a fan of poetry or simply interested in exploring the human condition, this poem is definitely worth your time.

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