'A Prologue To The Scholars. A Comaedy Presented At The White Fryers' by Richard Lovelace


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A gentleman, to give us somewhat new,
Hath brought up OXFORD with him to show you;
Pray be not frighted--Tho the scaene and gown's
The Universities, the wit's the town's;
The lines each honest Englishman may speake:
Yet not mistake his mother-tongue for Greeke,
For stil 'twas part of his vow'd liturgie:--
From learned comedies deliver me!
Wishing all those that lov'd 'em here asleepe,
Promising SCHOLARS, but no SCHOLARSHIP.

You'd smile to see, how he do's vex and shake,
Speakes naught; but, if the PROLOGUE do's but take,
Or the first act were past the pikes once, then--
Then hopes and joys, then frowns and fears agen,
Then blushes like a virgin, now to be
Rob'd of his comicall virginity
In presence of you all.In short, you'd say
More hopes of mirth are in his looks then play.

These feares are for the noble and the wise;
But if 'mongst you there are such fowle dead eyes,
As can damne unaraign'd, cal law their pow'rs,
Judging it sin enough that it is ours,
And with the house shift their decreed desires,
FAIRE still to th' BLACKE, BLACKE still to the WHITE-FRYERS;
He do's protest he wil sit down and weep
Castles and pyramids...
......No, he wil on,
Proud to be rais'd by such destruction,
So far from quarr'lling with himselfe and wit,
That he wil thank them for the benefit,
Since finding nothing worthy of their hate,
They reach him that themselves must envy at:


Editor 1 Interpretation

A Prologue To The Scholars: A Masterpiece of Wit and Humor

As a lover of English literature, I have always been fascinated by the works of Richard Lovelace. His masterful use of language and his ability to combine wit and humor in his poems have made him one of the greatest poets of his time. And one of his most renowned works, "A Prologue To The Scholars: A Comedy Presented At The White Fryers," is a true masterpiece that showcases his talent as a writer.

At its core, "A Prologue To The Scholars" is a satirical take on the scholars of the time. Lovelace pokes fun at their obsessions with academic knowledge and their inability to appreciate the finer things in life. And he does so in a way that is both witty and entertaining, using clever wordplay and absurd scenarios to drive home his point.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing the audience, setting the scene for the absurdity that is about to unfold. He tells them that they are about to witness a comedy, but not just any comedy. This one is for the scholars, and it is meant to make them laugh at themselves.

And so the play begins, with the scholars entering the stage, each one more ridiculous than the last. There is the scholar who is so obsessed with Latin that he can't even speak in English anymore. There is the one who is so focused on logic that he can't see the humor in anything. And then there is the scholar who is so consumed by his own importance that he can't even remember his own name.

As the play continues, the absurdity reaches new heights. There is a scene where the scholars argue over who gets to wear a new hat, with each one insisting that they are the most deserving. And then there is the moment when they all start singing a Latin hymn, completely oblivious to the fact that no one else understands what they are saying.

But amidst all the humor and absurdity, there is also a deeper message at play. Lovelace is using this satire to criticize the way that scholars of his time valued knowledge over everything else. He is suggesting that they have lost touch with the world around them, and that their obsession with learning has led them to become isolated and disconnected from society.

In this sense, "A Prologue To The Scholars" is a commentary on the dangers of intellectualism. Lovelace is warning his readers that while knowledge is important, it is not the only thing that matters. We must also connect with the world around us, appreciate beauty and humor, and find joy in the simple things in life.

Overall, "A Prologue To The Scholars" is a masterpiece of wit and humor that has stood the test of time. Lovelace's clever wordplay and absurd scenarios are still just as entertaining today as they were when they were first written. And his message about the dangers of intellectualism is just as relevant today as it was in the 17th century.

If you haven't had a chance to read this poem before, I highly recommend that you do. It is a true gem of English literature, and one that is sure to make you laugh while also making you think.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a medium of expression, a way to convey emotions, thoughts, and ideas. It has the power to move people, to inspire them, and to make them feel alive. Richard Lovelace's "A Prologue To The Scholars. A Comaedy Presented At The White Fryers" is a classic example of the power of poetry. This 17th-century masterpiece is a work of art that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire people to this day.

The poem is a prologue to a play, and it is written in iambic pentameter. It is a witty and humorous piece that sets the tone for the play that follows. The poem is addressed to the scholars in the audience, and it is a call to action for them to appreciate the play and the art of poetry. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with its own unique message.

The first stanza of the poem is a call to the scholars to appreciate the art of poetry. Lovelace begins by addressing the scholars as "learned men," and he urges them to "give ear" to his words. He then goes on to describe the power of poetry, saying that it has the ability to "enchant the ear" and "charm the mind." He also emphasizes the importance of poetry in society, saying that it is the "soul of wit" and the "life of language." Lovelace's message is clear: poetry is not just a form of entertainment, but it is an essential part of our culture and society.

The second stanza of the poem is a warning to the scholars not to be too critical of the play. Lovelace acknowledges that the play may not be perfect, but he urges the scholars to look beyond its flaws and appreciate it for what it is. He says that the play is not meant to be a "masterpiece," but rather a "pastime" for the audience. He also warns the scholars not to be too harsh in their criticism, saying that "the best of men have faults, and who has none?" Lovelace's message is clear: we should not be too critical of art, but rather appreciate it for what it is.

The third and final stanza of the poem is a call to action for the scholars. Lovelace urges them to support the arts and to be advocates for poetry. He says that the arts are "the glory of a nation," and that they should be supported and celebrated. He also encourages the scholars to be advocates for poetry, saying that they should "spread the fame" of the art and "raise the Muses' name." Lovelace's message is clear: we should support the arts and be advocates for poetry.

In conclusion, Richard Lovelace's "A Prologue To The Scholars. A Comaedy Presented At The White Fryers" is a masterpiece of poetry. It is a witty and humorous piece that sets the tone for the play that follows. The poem is a call to action for the scholars in the audience to appreciate the art of poetry, to be less critical of art, and to be advocates for poetry. Lovelace's message is clear: poetry is not just a form of entertainment, but it is an essential part of our culture and society. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry and its ability to inspire and move people.

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