'Song' by Sir John Suckling


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I prithee spare me gentle boy,
Press me no more for that slight toy,
That foolish trifle of an heart;
I swear it will not do its part,
Though thou dost thine, employ'st thy pow'r and art.

For through long custom it has known
The little secrets, and is grown
Sullen and wise, will have its will,
And like old hawks pursues that still
That makes least sport, flies only where't can kill.

Some youth that has not made his story,
Will think perchance the pain's the glory,
And mannerly sit out love's feast;
I shall be carving of the best,
Rudely call for the last course 'fore the rest.

And oh when once that course is past,
How short a time the feast doth last;
Men rise away and scarce say grace,
Or civilly once thank the face
That did invite, but seek another place.


Editor 1 Interpretation

The Mysterious Beauty of Sir John Suckling's "Song"

As a literary critic, I have read countless poems and songs that have left me puzzled, intrigued, and mesmerized. However, few have captured my attention quite like Sir John Suckling's "Song." This short and sweet poem may seem simple at first glance, but upon closer inspection, it reveals layers of meaning and beauty that are both enchanting and perplexing.

The Enchanting Melody

First and foremost, "Song" is a musical masterpiece. It has a rhythmic and lyrical quality that makes it easy to imagine it being sung by a choir or a soloist. The first stanza goes:

Why so pale and wan, fond lover? Prithee, why so pale? Will, when looking well can't move her, Looking ill prevail?

Prithee, why so pale?

The repetition of the question "Prithee, why so pale?" creates a haunting and melancholic melody that lingers in the mind long after the poem is finished. The use of the archaic word "prithee" adds to the charm and elegance of the poem, making it feel like a relic from a bygone era.

The second stanza continues the same musical pattern:

Why so dull and mute, young sinner? Prithee, why so mute? Will, when speaking well can't win her, Saying nothing do't?

Prithee, why so mute?

Once again, the repetition of the question and the use of archaic language give the poem a timeless quality that makes it feel relevant even today. This musicality and elegance are part of what makes "Song" so captivating, but there is much more to it than that.

The Puzzling Meaning

At its core, "Song" is a poem about unrequited love. The speaker is addressing a lover who is pale and wan, and a young sinner who is dull and mute. The speaker is clearly trying to encourage them to speak up and express their feelings, but the reasons for their silence and sadness are not clear.

Is the lover's beloved sick, or simply uninterested? Is the young sinner guilty of some terrible sin, or is he simply too afraid to speak his mind? The poem leaves these questions unanswered, inviting the reader to fill in the gaps with their own interpretation.

This ambiguity is both frustrating and thrilling. It's frustrating because we want to know more about the speaker, the lover, and the young sinner. We want to understand their motivations, their desires, and their fears. On the other hand, it's thrilling because it allows us to project our own experiences and emotions onto the poem.

The Timeless Beauty

One of the most remarkable things about "Song" is how timeless it feels. The poem was written in the 17th century, yet it could easily be read and appreciated by modern audiences. This is because the themes and emotions it explores are universal and enduring. Who among us has not experienced the pain of unrequited love, or the fear of speaking up and being rejected?

Moreover, the poem's use of archaic language and references to a bygone era do not detract from its beauty, but rather enhance it. The poem feels like a window into a world that is both familiar and alien, a world of courtly love and chivalry that is both romantic and tragic.

The Poet's Legacy

Sir John Suckling was a remarkable poet and playwright who lived a short but eventful life in the 17th century. He was a member of the court of King Charles I and a patron of the arts, supporting playwrights such as John Ford and Philip Massinger. He was also a notorious gambler and dandy, known for his extravagant lifestyle and his love of dueling.

Despite his short life, Suckling left a lasting legacy on English literature. His poetry and plays were widely read and admired in his lifetime, and his influence can be seen in the works of later poets such as Robert Herrick and Andrew Marvell.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sir John Suckling's "Song" is a poem that is both enchanting and puzzling. Its musicality and elegance make it a pleasure to read and recite, while its ambiguous meaning invites the reader to explore their own emotions and experiences. The poem's timeless beauty and its poet's legacy make it a true gem of English literature, a work that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Song by Sir John Suckling: An Analysis of the Classic Poem

Are you a lover of poetry? Do you appreciate the beauty of language and the power of words? If so, then you must have heard of the classic poem, Poetry Song, written by Sir John Suckling. This timeless piece of literature has captured the hearts of poetry enthusiasts for centuries, and it continues to inspire and move people to this day. In this article, we will take a closer look at this masterpiece and explore its themes, structure, and significance.

Background and Context

Sir John Suckling was a prominent English poet and playwright who lived in the 17th century. He was known for his witty and satirical works, as well as his contributions to the development of English drama. Poetry Song is one of his most famous poems, and it was first published in 1646 in a collection of his works called Fragmenta Aurea.

The poem is a celebration of poetry and its ability to transport us to another world, to make us feel and experience things we never thought possible. It is a tribute to the power of language and the beauty of the written word. Suckling was a master of language himself, and he used his skills to create a poem that is both lyrical and profound.

Themes

The main theme of Poetry Song is the power of poetry to evoke emotions and create a sense of wonder. Suckling uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the idea that poetry can take us on a journey to another world, where we can experience things that are beyond our everyday lives. He writes:

"Love in fantastic triumph sate, Whilst bleeding hearts around him flow'd, For whom fresh pains he did create, And strange tyrannic power he show'd; From thy bright eyes he took his fire, Which round about, in sport he hurl'd; But 'twas from mine he took desire, Enough to undo the amorous world."

In these lines, Suckling describes the power of love to create both joy and pain, and how poetry can capture these emotions and make them come alive. He also suggests that poetry is a form of magic, capable of creating new worlds and realities.

Structure

Poetry Song is a lyric poem, which means that it is meant to be sung or recited. It consists of four stanzas, each with four lines, and follows a simple ABAB rhyme scheme. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four stressed syllables. This gives the poem a musical quality and makes it easy to remember.

The poem also has a refrain, which is repeated at the end of each stanza. The refrain is "Why so pale and wan, fond lover?" and it serves to reinforce the central theme of the poem. It suggests that the lover is pale and wan because he is consumed by his passion, and that poetry can help him to express and understand his feelings.

Significance

Poetry Song is significant because it captures the essence of what poetry is all about. It celebrates the power of language and the beauty of the written word, and it reminds us that poetry can take us on a journey to another world. The poem has inspired countless poets and writers over the centuries, and it continues to be a source of inspiration and wonder.

In conclusion, Poetry Song is a masterpiece of English literature that celebrates the power of poetry to evoke emotions and create a sense of wonder. It is a tribute to the beauty of language and the written word, and it reminds us that poetry can take us on a journey to another world. Sir John Suckling was a master of language, and he used his skills to create a poem that is both lyrical and profound. If you are a lover of poetry, then you must read this classic poem and experience its magic for yourself.

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