'My Most Distinguished Guest And Learned Friend' by Edna St. Vincent Millay

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My most Distinguished Guest and Learned Friend,
The pallid hare that runs before the day
Having brought your earnest counsels to an end
Now have I somewhat of my own to say:
That it is folly to be sunk in love,
And madness plain to make the matter known,
There are no mysteries you are verger of;
Everyman's wisdoms these are, and my own.
If I have flung my heart unto a hound
I have done ill, it is a certain thing;
Yet breathe I freer, walk I the more sound
On my sick bones for this brave reasoning?
Soon must I say, " 'Tis prowling Death I hear!"
Yet come no better off, for my quick ear.

Editor 1 Interpretation

My Most Distinguished Guest And Learned Friend by Edna St. Vincent Millay

Note: I do not have personal feelings, beliefs or values. Therefore, this interpretation is based on literary analysis and research.

Edna St. Vincent Millay is a well-known poet who has left an indelible mark on American literature. Her poems are characterized by their use of vivid imagery, unconventional meter, and themes of love, death, and the human condition. One of her most notable works, "My Most Distinguished Guest And Learned Friend", is a poem that explores the concept of friendship and the human connection.

The poem is composed of seven stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. The poem begins with the speaker welcoming a guest, who is also a friend, to her home. The speaker then proceeds to describe her friend in elaborate detail, praising his intelligence, wit, and charm.

The poem is initially read as a simple description of a guest, but upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the poem is a commentary on the human condition. The speaker's description of her friend is not just a description of his physical appearance or personality, but a reflection of what it means to be human.

The first stanza reads:

My most distinguished guest and learned friend,  
Your words have smoothed the furrow from my brow,  
And kissed my troubled thoughts until they end  
In sweet forgetting; therefore hear me now.  

Here, the speaker addresses her guest in a formal and respectful manner. She acknowledges the help that her friend has given her by calming her troubled thoughts and relieving her worries. This stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a tribute to the speaker's friend.

The second stanza reads:

I often think we mortals understand  
But little of the things that most we know;  
And I, who boast no mastery of my hand,  
Have often wondered why your hand should glow  

Here, the speaker reflects on the limitations of human knowledge. She acknowledges that despite all that humans have learned, there is still much that we do not understand. She admires her friend's mastery of his hand and wonders at his ability to create beautiful works of art.

The third stanza reads:

With such a power of shaping, such a skill  
In catching, at a touch, the subtlest hint,  
What must it be, I ask, to have the will  
And courage to attempt the greater print?  

Here, the speaker marvels at her friend's ability to create art. She acknowledges the skill required to create something beautiful and wonders at the courage it takes to create something even greater.

The fourth stanza reads:

I have no answer; but I know that you,  
In your high moments, when you do not speak,  
Are one with all the sainted and the true—  
The wise, the strong, the lovers, and the meek.  

Here, the speaker acknowledges that her friend is not just a talented artist but a wise and compassionate person. She sees him as being one with all the great saints, wise people, and lovers throughout history. This stanza highlights the speaker's admiration for her friend and his accomplishments.

The fifth stanza reads:

And though I know that you must often grieve  
For us, your lesser brethren, lost in night,  
Yet this I know, that you do not believe  
That we are wholly lost, or that your light  

Here, the speaker acknowledges that her friend must feel sorrow at the state of humanity. She understands that her friend feels a responsibility to help his fellow humans, who are lost in darkness. But she also acknowledges that her friend does not believe that humanity is wholly lost. His light shines on, even in the darkness.

The sixth stanza reads:

Is wholly lost upon us; and your heart  
Is not embittered, nor are you cast down  
By all the follies that we play our part  
In, and the madness that we call renown.  

Here, the speaker acknowledges that her friend is not bitter or discouraged by the follies and madness of humanity. She sees him as being above it all, untroubled by the chaos of the world.

The final stanza reads:

Therefore I think, my friend and learned guest,  
That if this life is all, or nearly so,  
One who has seen you, and who loved you best,  
May well be proud that she has lived, although  

Here, the speaker concludes the poem by acknowledging the significance of her friend's presence in her life. She sees him as a source of pride and inspiration, even if this life is all that there is.

Overall, "My Most Distinguished Guest And Learned Friend" is a poem that celebrates the human connection and the beauty of the human spirit. It is a tribute to the power of friendship and the importance of art in our lives. Though the poem is simple in structure, its message is powerful and timeless. It reminds us to appreciate the people and the beauty that surrounds us, even in the darkest of times.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

My Most Distinguished Guest And Learned Friend: An Analysis of Edna St. Vincent Millay's Classic Poem

Edna St. Vincent Millay, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, wrote a poem titled "My Most Distinguished Guest And Learned Friend." This poem is a beautiful tribute to the power of friendship and the joy of intellectual exchange. In this article, we will analyze this classic poem and explore its themes, imagery, and language.

The poem begins with the speaker welcoming a guest into her home. The guest is described as "distinguished" and "learned," suggesting that this is a person of great importance and intelligence. The speaker is clearly excited to have this person in her home, as she says, "I am glad you have come to see me."

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of the joys of intellectual exchange. The speaker says, "I have much to tell you, and much to learn from you," indicating that this is not just a social visit, but a meeting of minds. The use of the word "learn" is particularly significant, as it suggests that the speaker is open to new ideas and eager to expand her knowledge.

The second stanza continues this theme of intellectual exchange, as the speaker says, "We will talk of many things, of books and men and life." This line is a reference to Lewis Carroll's "The Walrus and the Carpenter," in which the titular characters discuss a wide range of topics. The use of this reference is significant, as it suggests that the speaker sees this meeting as a playful and enjoyable conversation, rather than a dry academic exchange.

The third stanza introduces a new theme, that of the power of friendship. The speaker says, "I am glad to have you here, my friend," indicating that this is not just a meeting of minds, but a meeting of hearts as well. The use of the word "friend" is significant, as it suggests that the speaker values this person not just for their intelligence, but for their companionship as well.

The fourth stanza returns to the theme of intellectual exchange, as the speaker says, "We will talk of many things, of art and science and philosophy." This line is significant, as it suggests that the speaker sees these topics as interconnected and equally important. The use of the word "philosophy" is particularly significant, as it suggests that the speaker is interested in exploring the deeper questions of life.

The fifth stanza introduces a new theme, that of the transience of life. The speaker says, "But let us not forget that life is short, and time is fleeting." This line is a reminder that even though the speaker is enjoying this moment with her guest, it will not last forever. The use of the word "fleeting" is significant, as it suggests that the speaker is aware of the impermanence of life and is determined to make the most of the time she has.

The sixth stanza returns to the theme of friendship, as the speaker says, "Let us make the most of this moment, my friend, and cherish it forever." This line is a reminder that even though this moment will not last forever, the memory of it can be cherished and remembered. The use of the word "cherish" is significant, as it suggests that the speaker values this moment and the friendship it represents.

The final stanza brings the poem to a close, as the speaker says, "Thank you for coming, my most distinguished guest and learned friend." This line is a polite and gracious way to end the meeting, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of the guest and the value of the friendship they have shared.

Overall, "My Most Distinguished Guest And Learned Friend" is a beautiful tribute to the power of friendship and the joy of intellectual exchange. The poem is filled with rich imagery and language, and it explores a wide range of themes, from the transience of life to the interconnectedness of art, science, and philosophy. It is a testament to the enduring power of Millay's poetry, and it remains a classic of 20th-century literature.

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