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'TO BE MERRY' by Robert Herrick


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Let's now take our time,
While we're in our prime,
And old, old age is afar off;
For the evil, evil days
Will come on apace,
Before we can be aware of.

Editor 1 Interpretation

To Be Merry by Robert Herrick: A Celebration of Life and Joy

Are you feeling low and down? Do you need a pick-me-up? Look no further than Robert Herrick's "To Be Merry," a delightful poem that celebrates the simple pleasures of life and encourages us to enjoy them to the fullest. With its catchy rhythm, vivid imagery, and timeless message, "To Be Merry" is a literary gem that has stood the test of time and still resonates with readers today.

Context and Background

Robert Herrick (1591-1674) was a seventeenth-century English poet and clergyman who is best known for his collection of poems called Hesperides. This collection contains over 1,400 poems, ranging from religious verses to love songs, but it is his shorter poems, or "lyrics," that have earned him the most praise. "To Be Merry" is one of these lyrics and is considered one of Herrick's most popular and enduring works.

The poem was first published in 1648, during a time of great social and political upheaval in England. The Civil War was raging, and the country was divided between those who supported the king and those who supported Parliament. Against this backdrop of conflict and turmoil, Herrick's poem stood out as a beacon of hope and optimism, reminding readers that there is still joy to be found in life, even in the darkest of times.

Poetic Devices

One of the things that makes "To Be Merry" such a joy to read is Herrick's use of poetic devices. The poem is written in four quatrains, or four-line stanzas, with a simple ABAB rhyme scheme. This gives the poem a catchy, sing-song quality that makes it easy to remember and recite.

Herrick also uses alliteration and assonance to create a musical effect. In the second stanza, for example, he writes:

Who doth ambition shun And loves to live i' the sun, Seeking the food he eats, And pleas'd with what he gets,

The repetition of the "s" and "l" sounds in this stanza creates a sense of harmony and balance, mirroring the content of the poem itself.

Themes and Interpretation

At its core, "To Be Merry" is a celebration of life and joy. The poem encourages us to take pleasure in the simple things, such as the warmth of the sun, the taste of good food, and the company of friends. It reminds us that happiness is not found in material possessions or worldly ambition, but in the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

The poem also has a deeper, more philosophical meaning. By emphasizing the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death, Herrick encourages us to appreciate the present moment and to make the most of our time on earth. He reminds us that life is short and that we should not waste it on petty concerns or vain pursuits. Instead, we should focus on what truly matters - love, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness.

Imagery and Symbolism

One of the things that makes "To Be Merry" such an effective poem is Herrick's use of vivid imagery and symbolism. Throughout the poem, he uses imagery to evoke the sights, sounds, and sensations of the natural world. In the first stanza, for example, he writes:

Gather ye rose-buds while ye may, Old Time is still a-flying: And this same flower that smiles to-day, To-morrow will be dying.

Here, Herrick uses the image of the "rose-bud" to symbolize the fleeting nature of life. The rose, a common symbol of beauty and love, is also a reminder that everything in life is temporary and that we should cherish each moment while we can.

In the third stanza, Herrick uses the image of the "saddle and panniers" to symbolize the burdens of life:

Who for the poor will do and dare, And love the highway's side, More than the merry prate of air, And all their pomp beside?

Here, the "saddle and panniers" represent the daily struggles and hardships of life, while the "merry prate of air" and "pomp" represent the distractions and temptations that can lead us astray.

Conclusion

"To Be Merry" is a timeless poem that celebrates the joys of life and encourages us to live each day to the fullest. With its catchy rhythm, vivid imagery, and uplifting message, it is a literary masterpiece that has inspired readers for centuries. Whether you are feeling down or simply need a reminder to appreciate the simple pleasures in life, "To Be Merry" is a poem that will lift your spirits and fill you with hope and joy. So go ahead, gather ye rose-buds while ye may, and be merry!

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

To Be Merry: A Celebration of Life and Joy

Robert Herrick's poem "To Be Merry" is a timeless classic that celebrates the joys of life and encourages us to embrace happiness and merriment. Written in the 17th century, the poem still resonates with readers today, reminding us of the importance of living in the moment and finding joy in the simple pleasures of life.

The poem begins with a simple command: "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, urging us to seize the day and enjoy life to the fullest. The rosebuds symbolize the fleeting nature of life, reminding us that we must make the most of our time on earth before it is too late.

Herrick goes on to describe a series of activities that he believes will bring us joy and happiness. He encourages us to "drink and be merry," to dance, sing, and play music. He tells us to "crown ourselves with roses" and to "enjoy the sweet of life." These lines paint a picture of a carefree and joyful existence, where we are free to indulge in the pleasures of life without fear or hesitation.

The poem also touches on the theme of mortality, reminding us that our time on earth is limited. Herrick writes, "Old Time is still a-flying," reminding us that time waits for no one and that we must make the most of every moment. He also tells us that "the glorious lamp of heaven, the sun," will eventually set, signaling the end of our time on earth. These lines serve as a reminder that life is precious and that we must make the most of it while we can.

Despite the poem's focus on joy and merriment, there is also a sense of melancholy that runs throughout. Herrick acknowledges that life is not always easy and that we will face hardships and challenges along the way. He writes, "The same flower that smiles today, tomorrow will be dying," reminding us that even the most beautiful things in life are fleeting and temporary.

However, rather than dwelling on the negative, Herrick encourages us to focus on the positive and to find joy in the present moment. He reminds us that life is a gift and that we should be grateful for every moment we have. He writes, "Then be not coy, but use your time, and while ye may, go marry," urging us to embrace love and companionship and to cherish the relationships we have.

Overall, "To Be Merry" is a celebration of life and joy, urging us to embrace the present moment and to find happiness in the simple pleasures of life. It reminds us that life is short and that we must make the most of every moment, savoring the good times and persevering through the bad. Herrick's poem is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and uplift readers today, reminding us of the beauty and wonder of life.

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