'When He Would Have His Verses Read' by Robert Herrick
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In sober mornings do thou not 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 spurts 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: A Masterpiece of Emotion and Imagery
Poetry has the power to touch our hearts and stir our souls, to make us laugh or cry, to transport us to distant lands or to explore the depths of our own emotions. In "When He Would Have His Verses Read," Robert Herrick creates a masterpiece of emotion and imagery that speaks to the human experience in a profound and moving way.
Background and Context
Robert Herrick was a 17th-century English poet who wrote during the reign of King Charles I. He was a contemporary of other famous poets such as John Donne and Ben Jonson, and his work is often associated with the "metaphysical" style of poetry popular at the time.
"When He Would Have His Verses Read" was published in Herrick's collection of poems entitled "Hesperides" in 1648. The poem is written in rhyming couplets and consists of four stanzas, each containing four lines.
Analysis of the Poem
The poem begins with the speaker addressing an unknown reader, asking them to read his poetry. However, the tone quickly becomes more emotional as the speaker reveals that the poetry is a tribute to a beloved woman who has passed away:
Read, and reade oft; for never will you know
What worke it makes with this my woe,
To read, and reade, and oft to think upon
The houre, the place, the manner how 't was done.
The repetition of "read, and reade oft" emphasizes the importance of the poetry to the speaker, and "never will you know" suggests that the reader cannot fully understand the speaker's grief unless they read the poetry themselves.
The second line, "What worke it makes with this my woe," is particularly powerful. The word "work" suggests that the poetry is actively doing something to the speaker's grief, as if it has a transformative power. The use of the word "woe" instead of "sorrow" or "grief" also adds to the emotional weight of the poem.
The third line introduces the idea of memory, as the speaker urges the reader to "think upon/The houre, the place, the manner how 't was done." This line is especially effective because it creates a vivid image in the reader's mind of a specific moment in the past, adding to the sense of loss and nostalgia that permeates the poem.
The second stanza continues this theme of memory, as the speaker reflects on the woman who has passed away:
I and my trembling hand may chuse to turne
Or passe by some, that will applaud my urne:
Thou, like a friend, hast brought these hither; made
Just suit, and number, to this my lost shade.
The use of the word "trembling" to describe the speaker's hand suggests that he is still overcome with emotion when thinking about the woman, and the phrase "applaud my urne" implies that the speaker is already thinking about his own death and how he will be remembered.
The idea of the reader as a "friend" is also significant, as it implies a sense of intimacy between the speaker and the reader. The fact that the reader has "brought these hither" (i.e. brought the poems to the speaker's attention) further emphasizes this connection.
The third stanza shifts focus slightly, as the speaker describes the woman in more detail:
But stay awhile, here are epigrams,
Two houres full writ; and many jests in them:
Which if thou lov'st, and they have favour in
Thy sight, know, they were made by her and me.
The use of the word "epigrams" suggests that the poems are witty and clever, and the fact that they were written by the woman and the speaker together adds a personal touch to the poetry.
The final stanza brings the poem to a close, as the speaker reflects on the power of poetry to preserve memories:
So we must die;
And, as the gardner, daily, doth inclose
And severall plots for flowers and herbes, and set
A box, a border, and a bed of jet:
The comparison to a gardener is particularly effective, as it suggests that just as a gardener carefully tends to his plants, so too can poetry preserve memories and emotions.
The final two lines of the poem are especially poignant:
So take my tears, and that the hearse containes,
Weep now or never more; see, they fall like raines.
The use of the word "hearse" suggests that the poems themselves are a kind of funeral procession, and the request for the reader to "take my tears" implies that the speaker is unable to express his grief in any other way.
Interpretation of the Poem
"When He Would Have His Verses Read" is a powerful meditation on grief, memory, and the power of poetry to preserve emotions and experiences. The poem is notable for its use of vivid imagery, emotional language, and intimate tone, all of which combine to create a moving and memorable work of art.
At its heart, the poem is a tribute to a woman who has passed away, and the emotions that the speaker experiences as a result. However, the poem is also about the power of poetry itself, and the ability of words to transcend time and preserve memories.
As such, the poem can be interpreted as a reminder of the importance of art and literature in our lives, and the ways in which they can help us to process our emotions and make sense of the world around us.
Conclusion
In "When He Would Have His Verses Read," Robert Herrick has created a timeless masterpiece of poetry that speaks to the human experience in a profound and moving way. Through its use of emotion and imagery, the poem invites us to reflect on the power of memory and the importance of art and literature in our lives.
Whether read for the first time or revisited again and again, "When He Would Have His Verses Read" is a work of art that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry When He Would Have His Verses Read: A Masterpiece of Robert Herrick
Robert Herrick, the 17th-century English poet, is known for his lyrical and witty poetry. His works are characterized by their simplicity, elegance, and musicality. Among his many poems, "Poetry When He Would Have His Verses Read" stands out as a masterpiece of English literature. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing his audience, asking them to read his verses. He says, "Read, and reade oft, and do not be / Afraid to say, 'tis poetry." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is an invitation to appreciate and enjoy poetry. The speaker is confident in his work and wants his audience to share his enthusiasm.
The first stanza of the poem describes the power of poetry to transport the reader to another world. The speaker says, "For all the muses' heavenly aid / Is by a poet's pen displayed." Here, the speaker is referring to the ancient Greek muses, who were the goddesses of inspiration for poets and artists. He is saying that a poet's pen can capture the essence of these muses and bring their inspiration to life. The speaker goes on to say, "Then let no bold, or idle wit / Deceive you, that they are not fit." He is warning his audience not to be misled by those who claim that poetry is not worth reading. The speaker believes that poetry is a valuable and worthwhile art form.
In the second stanza, the speaker describes the different emotions that poetry can evoke. He says, "For all the flowers of all the fields / And all the sweets the garden yields / Is but a shadow, if compared / With those high-featured beauties, aired / By poetry's unbounded power." Here, the speaker is saying that the beauty of nature is nothing compared to the beauty that poetry can create. He is suggesting that poetry can capture the essence of nature and elevate it to a higher level. The speaker goes on to say, "The number may be said to be / The poet's exstasie." He is saying that the rhythm and meter of poetry can create a sense of ecstasy in the reader. The speaker believes that poetry has the power to transport the reader to a higher state of consciousness.
The third stanza of the poem is a call to action. The speaker says, "Then, while time serves, and we are but decaying, / Come, my Corinna, come, let's goe a Maying." Here, the speaker is urging his beloved Corinna to join him in celebrating the beauty of nature through poetry. He is saying that time is short and that they should make the most of it while they can. The speaker is inviting his audience to join him in his celebration of poetry and nature.
The structure of the poem is simple and elegant. It consists of three stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, which gives the poem a musical quality. The meter is iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four iambs, or metrical feet. This gives the poem a rhythmic and flowing quality.
The poem is full of literary devices that enhance its meaning and beauty. One of the most prominent devices is personification. The speaker personifies poetry as a powerful force that can transport the reader to another world. He also personifies nature as a living entity that can be celebrated through poetry. Another device that the speaker uses is metaphor. He compares the beauty of nature to a shadow and suggests that poetry can elevate that beauty to a higher level. He also compares the rhythm and meter of poetry to a state of ecstasy.
In conclusion, "Poetry When He Would Have His Verses Read" is a masterpiece of English literature. Robert Herrick's simple and elegant style, combined with his use of literary devices, creates a powerful and memorable poem. The poem celebrates the beauty of nature and the power of poetry to capture that beauty. The speaker invites his audience to join him in his celebration of poetry and nature, urging them to make the most of their time while they can. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to inspire and uplift the human spirit.
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