'LOVERS HOW THEY COME AND PART' by Robert Herrick


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A Gyges ring they bear about them still,
To be, and not seen when and where they will;
They tread on clouds, and though they sometimes fall,
They fall like dew, and make no noise at all:
So silently they one to th' other come,
As colours steal into the pear or plum,
And air-like, leave no pression to be seen
Where'er they met, or parting place has been.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Lovers How They Come and Part: An Analysis of Robert Herrick's Poetry

Robert Herrick is a poet of the seventeenth century, known for his adeptness in writing lyrics, epigrams, and pastoral poetry. His work, "Lovers How They Come and Part," is a prime example of his skills in writing about love and its various facets. In this poem, Herrick explores the nature of love, its transient nature, and the pain that comes with it.

Overview of the Poem

The poem consists of twelve quatrains, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB. The poem is divided into two parts, with the first part describing how lovers meet and how they are consumed by their passion. The second part describes the inevitable end of their love and the pain that comes with it.

Interpretation of the Poem

The Nature of Love

At its core, "Lovers How They Come and Part" is a poem about the nature of love. Herrick acknowledges that love is impulsive and intense, and that it has the power to consume us entirely. He writes, "As love's leaping flames so high, /So his fortunes mount the sky" (lines 3-4).

Herrick's use of the metaphorical image of "leaping flames" is particularly potent in conveying the intense nature of love. It suggests that love is not something that can be tamed or controlled; it is something that will consume us entirely, much like a fire.

The Transience of Love

Despite its intense nature, Herrick also acknowledges that love is transitory. He notes that just as quickly as love can ignite, it can also extinguish. He writes, "But alas, how soon they tire, / And, oh, how soon the love expires!" (lines 5-6).

Herrick's use of the word "tire" suggests that love is something that requires effort and maintenance to keep alive. However, even with the best intentions, love can still fade away. Herrick suggests that love is not something that can be sustained forever; it is something that is fleeting and temporary.

The Pain of Love

Finally, Herrick explores the pain that comes with love. He writes, "That which long ago was begun, / In his end is overrun" (lines 9-10). This suggests that love, no matter how intense or passionate it may be, will eventually come to an end. This end can be painful, particularly if it happens suddenly or unexpectedly.

Herrick's use of the word "overrun" is particularly potent here, as it suggests that the end of love is not just a passive event, but an active one. Love, in a sense, is defeated by time and circumstance, and the pain that comes with it is a direct result of this defeat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Robert Herrick's "Lovers How They Come and Part" is a powerful exploration of the nature of love, its transience, and the pain that comes with it. Herrick's use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors makes this poem a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Lovers How They Come and Part: A Masterpiece by Robert Herrick

Poetry is an art that has the power to evoke emotions, stir the soul, and transport the reader to a different world. One such masterpiece is "Lovers How They Come and Part" by Robert Herrick. This poem is a beautiful portrayal of the joys and sorrows of love, and how it can bring people together and tear them apart.

The poem begins with the line, "Lovers how they come and part," which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. It immediately captures the reader's attention and draws them into the world of love and romance. The first stanza describes the excitement and anticipation of two lovers meeting for the first time. The use of imagery is particularly effective in this stanza, with the description of the "rosy cheeks" and "sparkling eyes" of the lovers. The use of the word "ravished" to describe the lovers' emotions is also powerful, as it conveys a sense of intense passion and desire.

The second stanza takes a more melancholic turn, as it describes the pain of separation. The use of the word "parting" in the first line immediately conveys a sense of sadness and loss. The imagery in this stanza is also effective, with the description of the "tearful eyes" and "sighs" of the lovers. The use of the word "fond" to describe their memories of each other is particularly poignant, as it suggests that their love was genuine and deep.

The third stanza is perhaps the most powerful of the poem, as it describes the longing and yearning that the lovers feel for each other. The repetition of the phrase "O stay" conveys a sense of desperation and longing, as if the lovers cannot bear to be apart from each other. The use of the word "fain" to describe their desire to be together is also effective, as it suggests that their love is not just a passing fancy, but something that is deeply rooted in their hearts.

The final stanza brings the poem to a close with a sense of resignation and acceptance. The use of the word "fate" suggests that the lovers have come to accept that their love is not meant to be, and that they must go their separate ways. The use of the word "parted" in the final line is particularly effective, as it brings the poem full circle and reinforces the theme of separation that runs throughout the piece.

Overall, "Lovers How They Come and Part" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the joys and sorrows of love in a powerful and evocative way. The use of imagery, repetition, and powerful language all contribute to the effectiveness of the poem, and make it a timeless classic that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

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