'WHEN HE WOULD HAVE HIS VERSES READ' by Robert Herrick


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In sober mornings, do not thou rehearse
The holy incantation of a verse;
But when that men have both well drunk, and fed,
Let my enchantments then be sung or read.
When laurel spirts i' th' fire, and when the hearth
Smiles to itself, and gilds the roof with mirth;
When up the Thyrse is raised, and when the sound
Of sacred orgies, flies A round, A round;
When the rose reigns, and locks with ointments shine,
Let rigid Cato read these lines of mine.

Editor 1 Interpretation

WHEN HE WOULD HAVE HIS VERSES READ by Robert Herrick

Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like you were transported to a different time and place? A poem that evoked all kinds of emotions and imagery? Robert Herrick's "When He Would Have His Verses Read" is one such poem. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the intricacies of the poem and explore its themes, structure, language, and imagery.

Overview

"When He Would Have His Verses Read" is a short poem by Robert Herrick, a 17th-century English poet. The poem was published in his collection of poems, "Hesperides," in 1648. The poem is addressed to someone who Herrick wants to read his poetry, and he presents his poetry as a way of escaping the mundane realities of life.

Themes

One of the main themes of the poem is the power of poetry to transcend time and space. Herrick sees his poetry as a way of escaping the present and traveling to a different time and place. He writes, "I sing of times long past, of times to come / And with old woes new wail my dear time's waste." Here, Herrick is saying that his poetry is not restricted to the present but can take the reader on a journey to the past or future. He also refers to his poetry as a way of mourning the loss of time.

Another theme of the poem is the power of imagination. Herrick sees his poetry as a way to escape the mundane realities of life and enter a world of imagination. He writes, "And I alone sit lingering here, / With my lost dreams and sighs for company." Here, Herrick is saying that he is alone in his imagination, and his poetry is his only company. He also uses language that evokes the senses, such as "scented rose" and "music's strain," to create a vivid picture of the world he is imagining.

Structure

"When He Would Have His Verses Read" is a poem with three stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The poem follows a simple ABAB rhyme scheme, where the first and third lines rhyme, and the second and fourth lines rhyme. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which means that each line consists of four iambs, or metrical feet, with an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. The poem's structure is simple, but it is effective in conveying Herrick's message.

Language

One of the most striking aspects of "When He Would Have His Verses Read" is its language. Herrick uses rich and vivid language to create a world of imagination for the reader. He uses words such as "scented rose," "music's strain," and "golden clime" to evoke the senses and create an image of a beautiful and idealized world. He also uses alliteration and assonance to create a musical quality to the poem. For example, in the first stanza, he writes, "I sing of times long past, of times to come," where the repetition of the "t" and "s" sounds creates a musical quality.

Imagery

Herrick's use of imagery is another striking aspect of the poem. He creates vivid images of a world of imagination, where he can escape from the present. He uses images of nature, such as "scented rose," "golden clime," and "sunny shore," to create a picture of an idealized world. He also uses images of music, such as "music's strain," to create a sense of harmony and beauty.

Interpretation

"When He Would Have His Verses Read" is a poem that is open to interpretation. The poem can be seen as a plea for the reader to appreciate poetry and its power to transport us to different times and places. It can also be seen as a reflection of Herrick's own desire to escape from the present and enter a world of imagination. The poem can be interpreted as a commentary on the nature of poetry itself and its ability to transcend time and space.

Conclusion

"When He Would Have His Verses Read" is a beautiful poem that captures the power of poetry to transport us to different times and places. Robert Herrick's vivid language and imagery create a world of imagination that invites the reader to join him on a journey to an idealized world. The poem's themes of the power of poetry and imagination are timeless and continue to resonate with readers today. Herrick's poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to capture the human experience.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

When He Would Have His Verses Read: A Masterpiece by Robert Herrick

Robert Herrick, a renowned English poet of the 17th century, is known for his lyrical and witty poetry. His poem "When He Would Have His Verses Read" is a classic example of his poetic genius. The poem is a plea to his beloved to read his verses and appreciate his art. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.

The poem consists of three stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. The poem is written in a conversational tone, as if the poet is speaking directly to his beloved. The first stanza begins with the poet's request to his beloved to read his verses. He says, "Read, and sweetly, too; / Eyes look love to eyes that speak." The poet wants his beloved to read his verses with love and appreciation. He believes that when two people look into each other's eyes, they can communicate without words. The poet wants his beloved to understand his feelings through his poetry.

In the second stanza, the poet describes the power of poetry. He says, "Verse, dress thee fine, / Though thou beest divine." The poet wants his verses to be dressed in fine clothes, even though they are divine. He believes that poetry has the power to elevate the mundane to the divine. The poet wants his beloved to appreciate the beauty of his poetry and understand its power.

In the third stanza, the poet makes a final plea to his beloved. He says, "With thy needle, stitch the name / Of thy love in my heart's flame." The poet wants his beloved to stitch her name in his heart's flame. He wants her to be a part of his poetry and his life. The poet believes that his beloved's love is the inspiration for his poetry. He wants her to be a part of his creative process and his art.

The poem is a beautiful expression of the power of poetry and love. The poet believes that poetry has the power to communicate emotions and elevate the mundane to the divine. He wants his beloved to appreciate his art and understand the power of his poetry. The poet also believes that love is the inspiration for his poetry. He wants his beloved to be a part of his creative process and his art.

The poem is also a reflection of the poet's own life. Robert Herrick was a bachelor all his life and never married. His poetry is a reflection of his own longing for love and companionship. The poem "When He Would Have His Verses Read" is a plea to his beloved to understand his feelings and appreciate his art.

In conclusion, "When He Would Have His Verses Read" is a masterpiece by Robert Herrick. The poem is a beautiful expression of the power of poetry and love. The poet wants his beloved to appreciate his art and understand the power of his poetry. The poem is also a reflection of the poet's own life and his longing for love and companionship. Robert Herrick's poetry continues to inspire and delight readers even today, centuries after his death.

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