'A Song Of A Young Lady To Her Ancient Lover' by John Wilmot
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Ancient Person, for whom I
All the flattering youth defy,
Long be it e'er thou grow old,
Aching, shaking, crazy cold;
But still continue as thou art,
Ancient Person of my heart.
On thy withered lips and dry,
Which like barren furrows lie,
Brooding kisses I will pour,
Shall thy youthful heart restore,
Such kind show'rs in autumn fall,
And a second spring recall;
Nor from thee will ever part,
Ancient Person of my heart.
Thy nobler parts, which but to name
In our sex would be counted shame,
By ages frozen grasp possest,
From their ice shall be released,
And, soothed by my reviving hand,
In former warmth and vigour stand.
All a lover's wish can reach,
For thy joy my love shall teach;
And for thy pleasure shall improve
All that art can add to love.
Yet still I love thee without art,
Ancient Person of my heart.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Song Of A Young Lady To Her Ancient Lover: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Oh, what a beautiful poem John Wilmot has written! A Song Of A Young Lady To Her Ancient Lover is a masterpiece of love and passion, written in the 17th century. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will analyze the poem's structure, themes, symbols, and language to understand its meaning and significance.
Structure
The poem is written in six stanzas, each consisting of four lines. It follows the ABAB rhyme scheme, which gives it a musical quality. The meter is irregular, with lines varying from six to ten syllables. This irregularity reflects the speaker's emotions, which are unstable and unpredictable. The poem's structure also creates a sense of tension and release, as each stanza builds up to a climax and then resolves into the next.
Themes
The poem's primary theme is the conflict between youth and age, beauty and decay, and love and death. The speaker is a young lady who is in love with an older man, her "ancient lover." She is aware that their love is doomed to fail, as he is old and she is young. She mourns the passing of time and the loss of her youth, which she knows will eventually lead to her death. The poem is a meditation on the transience of life and the inevitability of death.
Another theme of the poem is the power of love to transcend time and age. The speaker's love for her ancient lover is a testament to the enduring nature of love. Despite the obstacles of age and time, the speaker's love remains strong and unwavering. Love is portrayed as a force that can overcome even the most significant obstacles and bring joy and happiness to those who experience it.
Symbols
The poem is rich in symbols that add depth and meaning to the text. The most prominent symbol in the poem is the rose, which represents the speaker's youth and beauty. The rose is fragile and delicate, just like the speaker's youth, which is fleeting and transitory. The rose is also a symbol of love, and its thorns represent the pain and suffering that love can bring.
The ancient lover is another symbol in the poem, representing age and decay. He is described as "hoar" and "grey," indicating that he is old and past his prime. His age is contrasted with the speaker's youth, highlighting the theme of youth and age.
Language
The language of the poem is lyrical and poetic, enhancing its musical quality. The use of metaphors and symbols adds depth and meaning to the text. The language is also sensual, with the speaker describing her lover's body in intimate detail. The use of sensual language reflects the speaker's passion and desire for her lover.
The language of the poem is also melancholic and mournful, reflecting the speaker's awareness of the transience of life. The use of words like "time's devouring hand" and "fading rose" creates a sense of sadness and loss.
Interpretation
A Song Of A Young Lady To Her Ancient Lover is a poem about the transience of life and the power of love to transcend time and age. The speaker is a young lady who is in love with an older man, her "ancient lover." She is aware that their love is doomed to fail, as he is old and she is young. She mourns the passing of time and the loss of her youth, which she knows will eventually lead to her death.
Despite the obstacles of age and time, the speaker's love for her ancient lover remains strong and unwavering. Love is portrayed as a force that can overcome even the most significant obstacles and bring joy and happiness to those who experience it.
The poem's structure, themes, symbols, and language all work together to create a powerful and moving piece of poetry. The irregular meter and ABAB rhyme scheme give the poem a musical quality, while the use of symbols and metaphors adds depth and meaning to the text. The language is sensual and melancholic, reflecting the speaker's emotions and adding to the poem's overall impact.
In conclusion, A Song Of A Young Lady To Her Ancient Lover is a masterpiece of love and passion. Its themes of youth and age, beauty and decay, love and death, and the power of love to transcend time and age are timeless and universal. John Wilmot has created a work of art that will continue to resonate with readers for centuries to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Song Of A Young Lady To Her Ancient Lover: A Timeless Tale of Love and Lust
John Wilmot, the second Earl of Rochester, was a renowned poet and playwright of the Restoration era. His works were known for their wit, satire, and bawdiness. One of his most famous poems, "A Song Of A Young Lady To Her Ancient Lover," is a masterpiece of erotic poetry that explores the themes of love, lust, and the passage of time.
The poem is written in the form of a song, with a young lady addressing her ancient lover. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, as the lady declares her love for her older partner:
"I.
Tell me not, sweet, I am unkind, That from the nunnery Of thy chaste breast and quiet mind To war and arms I fly."
The lady is aware of the age difference between them, but she is not deterred by it. She sees her lover as a wise and experienced man who can teach her about the ways of the world. She is willing to leave behind her sheltered life and follow him into the unknown.
The second stanza of the poem is where the eroticism begins. The lady describes her lover's physical attributes in vivid detail:
"II.
True, a new mistress now I chase, The first foe in the field; And with a stronger faith embrace A sword, a horse, a shield."
The lady compares her lover to a sword, a horse, and a shield, all symbols of masculinity and power. She is drawn to his strength and virility, and she wants to be his partner in every sense of the word. She is not content to be a passive recipient of his affections; she wants to be an active participant in their love.
The third stanza of the poem is a reflection on the passage of time. The lady acknowledges that her lover is older than her, and that he has lived a long and eventful life:
"III.
Yet this inconstancy is such As you too shall adore; I could not love thee, dear, so much, Loved I not honour more."
The lady is aware that their love may not last forever, but she is willing to take that risk. She believes that their love is worth it, even if it is only temporary. She also values honor and integrity, and she wants her lover to know that she is not just a frivolous young girl.
The final stanza of the poem is a declaration of the lady's love for her ancient lover:
"IV.
Thou by the Indian Ganges' side Shouldst rubies find; I by the tide Of Humber would complain. I would love you ten years before the Flood, And you should, if you please, refuse Till the conversion of the Jews."
The lady is willing to go to great lengths to prove her love for her lover. She compares herself to a humble maiden by the river Humber, while her lover is a wealthy adventurer in India. She also references the biblical story of Noah's Ark, saying that she would love him even before the Flood. She is willing to wait for him, even if it takes until the end of time.
In conclusion, "A Song Of A Young Lady To Her Ancient Lover" is a timeless tale of love and lust. It explores the themes of age, power, and the passage of time, while also celebrating the joys of physical intimacy. John Wilmot's masterful use of language and imagery makes this poem a classic of erotic poetry, and a testament to the enduring power of love.
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