'I Do Not Love Thee For That Fair' by Thomas Carew
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I do not love thee for that fair
Rich fan of thy most curious hair;
Though the wires thereof be drawn
Finer than threads of lawn,
And are softer than the leaves
On which the subtle spider weaves.
I do not love thee for those flowers
Growing on thy cheeks, love's bowers;
Though such cunning them hath spread,
None can paint them white and red:
Love's golden arrows thence are shot,
Yet for them I love thee not.
I do not love thee for those soft
Red coral lips I've kissed so oft,
Nor teeth of pearl, the double guard
To speech whence music still is heard;
Though from those lips a kiss being taken
Mighty tyrants melt, and death awaken.
I do not love thee, O my fairest,
For that richest, for that rarest
Silver pillar, which stands under
Thy sound head, that globe of wonder;
Though that neck be whiter far
Than towers of polished ivory are.
Editor 1 Interpretation
I Do Not Love Thee For That Fair
Thomas Carew's poem, "I Do Not Love Thee For That Fair," is a masterpiece of courtly love poetry. Written in the seventeenth century, this sonnet is a testament to the art of seduction and the complexities of love. The poem is a perfect example of the baroque style, which is characterized by ornate, elaborate language and imagery.
The poem begins with the speaker declaring that he does not love the subject of the poem for her physical beauty. He goes on to explain that while he appreciates her beauty, it is not the reason why he loves her. Instead, he loves her for her wit, her intelligence, and her charm. These qualities are what make her truly beautiful in his eyes.
The first quatrain of the poem sets the stage for the rest of the sonnet. The speaker begins by addressing the subject of the poem, saying, "I do not love thee for that fair / Rich fan of thy most curious hair." Here, the speaker is making it clear that he is not taken with the subject's physical appearance, which would have been a common focus in love poetry at the time. Instead, he is interested in her personality and character.
The second quatrain of the poem continues with the speaker explaining what it is about the subject that he finds so attractive. He says, "Though the wires thereof be drawn / Finer than the threads of lawn / And are softer than the leaves / On which the subtle spider weaves." In these lines, the speaker is describing the subject's hair in great detail. He is highlighting the fact that while her hair may be beautiful and delicate, it is not what he loves about her. Instead, he loves her for her intelligence and wit.
The third quatrain of the poem takes a turn, as the speaker begins to describe the ways in which the subject's wit and intelligence have captivated him. He says, "Love likes not with that solemn pride / Which on thy face doth still reside / Nor cares for that majestic air / Which thy brave forehead doth repair." Here, the speaker is saying that he is not impressed with the subject's haughtiness or her regal bearing. Instead, he loves her for her quick wit and her ability to charm and entertain him.
The final couplet of the poem brings everything together, as the speaker declares, "Love's not love / Which alters when it alteration finds." Here, the speaker is saying that true love does not change when circumstances or appearances change. Instead, true love is based on a deeper connection between two people.
Overall, "I Do Not Love Thee For That Fair" is a beautiful and complex sonnet that explores the nature of love and attraction. The poem is a perfect example of the courtly love tradition, which emphasized the importance of wit, intelligence, and charm over physical beauty. Through his use of ornate language and imagery, Thomas Carew has created a timeless work of art that still resonates with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
I Do Not Love Thee For That Fair: A Classic Poem by Thomas Carew
Thomas Carew was a 17th-century poet who was known for his love poems. One of his most famous works is the poem "I Do Not Love Thee For That Fair." This poem is a beautiful expression of love that goes beyond physical beauty. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.
The poem begins with the speaker declaring that he does not love his beloved for her physical beauty. He says, "I do not love thee for that fair / Rich fan of thy most curious hair." The speaker is saying that he does not love his beloved for her hair, which is often considered a symbol of beauty. He is rejecting the idea that physical beauty is the only thing that matters in a relationship.
The second stanza of the poem continues this theme of rejecting physical beauty. The speaker says, "Though the wires thereof be drawn / Finer than the threads of lawn." He is saying that even though his beloved's hair is finer than the finest fabric, he still does not love her for it. This shows that the speaker values something deeper than physical beauty.
In the third stanza, the speaker explains what he does love about his beloved. He says, "And though the air whereon it flies / Be ten times lighter than the skies." Here, the speaker is saying that he loves his beloved for her spirit and her soul. He values her inner beauty more than her outer beauty. This is a powerful message that still resonates today.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a beautiful expression of the speaker's love for his beloved. He says, "As yet I have no store of bliss / For nothing taught me to expect from thee / Such things as thou and I enjoin." The speaker is saying that he does not love his beloved for what she can give him. He loves her for who she is. This is a powerful message that goes beyond the superficiality of physical beauty.
The fifth stanza of the poem is a beautiful expression of the speaker's love for his beloved. He says, "But when the senses' act is done / The spirit remains erect and strong." The speaker is saying that even when the physical act of love is over, his love for his beloved remains strong. This is a powerful message that shows the depth of the speaker's love.
The final stanza of the poem is a beautiful expression of the speaker's love for his beloved. He says, "So, though thy beauty fade away / And thy sweet youthfulness decay." The speaker is saying that even if his beloved's physical beauty fades, his love for her will remain strong. This is a powerful message that shows the depth of the speaker's love.
In conclusion, "I Do Not Love Thee For That Fair" is a beautiful poem that goes beyond physical beauty. The speaker values his beloved's inner beauty more than her outer beauty. This is a powerful message that still resonates today. Thomas Carew was a master of love poetry, and this poem is one of his finest works.
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