'To My Dear Friend Mr. Congreve On His Commedy Call'd The Double Dealer' by John Dryden
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
Well then; the promis'd hour is come at last;
The present age of wit obscures the past:
Strong were our sires; and as they fought they writ,
Conqu'ring with force of arms, and dint of wit;
Theirs was the giant race, before the Flood;
And thus, when Charles return'd, our empire stood.
Like Janus he the stubborn soil manur'd,
With rules of husbandry the rankness cur'd:
Tam'd us to manners, when the stage was rude;
And boisterous English wit, with art endu'd.
Our age was cultivated thus at length;
But what we gained in skill we lost in strength.
Our builders were, with want of genius, curst;
The second temple was not like the first:
Till you, the best Vitruvius, come at length;
Our beauties equal; but excel our strength.
Firm Doric pillars found your solid base:
The fair Corinthian crowns the higher space;
Thus all below is strength, and all above is grace.
In easy dialogue is Fletcher's praise:
He mov'd the mind, but had not power to raise.
Great Jonson did by strength of judgment please:
Yet doubling Fletcher's force, he wants his ease.
In differing talents both adorn'd their age;
One for the study, t'other for the stage.
But both to Congreve justly shall submit,
One match'd in judgment, both o'er-match'd in wit.
In him all beauties of this age we see;
Etherege's courtship, Southern's purity;
The satire, wit, and strength of manly Wycherly.
All this in blooming youth you have achiev'd;
Nor are your foil'd contemporaries griev'd;
So much the sweetness of your manners move,
We cannot envy you because we love.
Fabius might joy in Scipio, when he saw
A beardless Consul made against the law,
And join his suffrage to the votes of Rome;
Though he with Hannibal was overcome.
Thus old Romano bow'd to Raphael's fame;
And scholar to the youth he taught, became.
Oh that your brows my laurel had sustain'd,
Well had I been depos'd, if you had reign'd!
The father had descended for the son;
For only you are lineal to the throne.
Thus when the State one Edward did depose;
A greater Edward in his room arose.
But now, not I, but poetry is curs'd;
For Tom the second reigns like Tom the first.
But let 'em not mistake my patron's part;
Nor call his charity their own desert.
Yet this I prophesy; thou shalt be seen,
(Tho' with some short parenthesis between:)
High on the throne of wit; and seated there,
Not mine (that's little) but thy laurel wear.
Thy first attempt an early promise made;
That early promise this has more than paid.
So bold, yet so judiciously you dare,
That your least praise, is to be regular.
Time, place, and action, may with pains be wrought,
But genius must be born; and never can be taught.
This is your portion; this your native store;
Heav'n that but once was prodigal before,
To Shakespeare gave as much; she could not give him more.
Maintain your post: that's all the fame you need;
For 'tis impossible you should proceed.
Already I am worn with cares and age;
And just abandoning th' ungrateful stage:
Unprofitably kept at Heav'n's expense,
I live a rent-charge on his providence:
But you, whom ev'ry muse and grace adorn,
Whom I foresee to better fortune born,
Be kind to my remains; and oh defend,
Against your judgment your departed friend!
Let not the insulting foe my fame pursue;
But shade those laurels which descend to you:
And take for tribute what these lines express:
You merit more; nor could my love do less.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Introduction
John Dryden's poem "To My Dear Friend Mr. Congreve On His Commedy Call'd The Double Dealer" is a classic example of the art of literary criticism. In this poem, Dryden praises William Congreve's play, The Double Dealer, and provides a detailed analysis of its merits. The poem is both a personal tribute to Congreve and a critical evaluation of his work. Dryden's literary criticism and interpretation of The Double Dealer are insightful, perceptive, and illuminating. This essay will provide a detailed analysis of the poem, exploring Dryden's views on Congreve's play and his approach to literary criticism.
The Poem
The poem is addressed to William Congreve, and Dryden begins by expressing his admiration for the play:
Well then, the promised hour is come at last, The present age of wit obscures the past: Strong were our sires, and as they fought they writ, Conquering with force of arms, and dint of wit: Theirs was the giant race, before the flood; And thus, when Charles return'd, our empire stood. Like Janus he the stubborn soil manured, With rules of husbandry the rankness cured; Tamed us to manners when the stage was rude, And boisterous English wit with art indued. Our age was cultivated thus at length; But what we gained in skill we lost in strength. Our builders were with want of genius curst; The second temple was not like the first; Till you, the best Vitruvius, come at length, Our beauties equal, but excel our strength.
In the opening lines, Dryden praises Congreve for his wit and acknowledges that the present age of literature surpasses that of the past. He draws a parallel between Congreve's work and that of the great writers of the past, who were able to conquer with their wit and strength. Dryden also acknowledges the role of Charles II in fostering the development of English literature, comparing him to Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transitions. He asserts that the English stage was once rude and boisterous, but was tamed and refined by the efforts of writers like Congreve.
Dryden then proceeds to praise The Double Dealer and to provide an analysis of its strengths:
In beauty, or of shape, or hue,
Much less of conduct, can we judge of you.
Already I am worn with cares and age,
And just abandoning th' ungrateful stage:
Unprofitably kept at Heaven's expense,
I live a rent-charge on his providence:
But you, whom every Muse and grace adorn,
Whom I foresee to better fortune born,
Be kind to my remains; and oh! defend,
Against your judgment, your departed friend.
Let not th' insulting foe my fame pursue,
But shade those laurels which descend to you:
And take for tribute what these lines express;
You merit more; nor could my love do less.
Here, Dryden acknowledges his own age and lack of insight into the play. He admits that he is "worn with cares and age" and that he is "unprofitably kept at Heaven's expense". However, he states that Congreve is "whom every Muse and grace adorn" and that he foresees better fortune for him. He pleads with Congreve to protect his reputation and defend him against his critics. Dryden acknowledges that his love for Congreve is a tribute to his greatness as a writer.
Critical Evaluation
Dryden's poem is both a personal tribute to Congreve and a critical evaluation of his work. He acknowledges that he is not able to judge the play on its own merits, due to his age and lack of insight. However, he praises Congreve for his wit, style, and character development. He identifies several strengths of the play, including its beauty, shape, hue, and conduct. Dryden notes that these are difficult qualities to judge, but he asserts that they are integral to the success of the play.
Dryden also acknowledges the importance of context in literary criticism. He notes that the English stage was once rude and boisterous, but was refined and tamed by writers like Congreve. He acknowledges the role of Charles II in fostering the development of English literature, and he draws a parallel between Congreve's work and that of the great writers of the past.
In addition to his praise of Congreve's work, Dryden also provides a perceptive analysis of the challenges faced by writers in the English literary tradition. He notes that the English builders of literature were often lacking in genius and that the second temple was not like the first. However, he asserts that writers like Congreve are the best Vitruvius, able to create works that are beautiful and strong.
Conclusion
"To My Dear Friend Mr. Congreve On His Commedy Call'd The Double Dealer" is a classic example of the art of literary criticism. Dryden's poem is both a personal tribute to Congreve and a critical evaluation of his work. He praises Congreve for his wit, style, and character development, and he provides a perceptive analysis of the challenges faced by writers in the English literary tradition. Dryden's approach to literary criticism emphasizes the importance of context, and he acknowledges the role of history and tradition in shaping the literature of a particular time and place. Overall, "To My Dear Friend Mr. Congreve On His Commedy Call'd The Double Dealer" is a testament to the power of literary criticism to illuminate the strengths and weaknesses of a work of literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
To My Dear Friend Mr. Congreve On His Comedy Call'd The Double Dealer: A Masterpiece of Satire and Wit
John Dryden, one of the greatest poets of the Restoration era, wrote a poem titled "To My Dear Friend Mr. Congreve On His Comedy Call'd The Double Dealer" in 1693. The poem is a tribute to William Congreve's play, The Double Dealer, which was first performed in 1693. Dryden's poem is a masterpiece of satire and wit, and it provides a fascinating insight into the literary and cultural context of the Restoration era.
The poem is addressed to William Congreve, who was a close friend of Dryden. Congreve was a young playwright who had already achieved great success with his plays The Old Bachelor and Love for Love. The Double Dealer was his third play, and it was eagerly anticipated by the audiences of the time. Dryden's poem is a tribute to Congreve's talent and a celebration of his latest work.
The poem begins with a reference to the Greek god Apollo, who was the patron of the arts. Dryden compares Congreve to Apollo, suggesting that he is a master of the art of comedy. He writes:
"Thou great Infallible, on whom we rely, Thou solid Judge and Friend of Poetry, From thy Tribunal Seat, arraign my Rhyme, If by thy Justice I incur the Crime."
Dryden is asking Congreve to judge his poem and to provide his expert opinion. He is confident that Congreve will appreciate his work, as he is a "solid Judge and Friend of Poetry." Dryden's use of the word "infallible" suggests that Congreve's judgment is beyond question, and that he is the ultimate authority on matters of poetry and drama.
Dryden then goes on to praise Congreve's play, The Double Dealer. He describes it as a work of "wit and humour," and he suggests that it is a masterpiece of satire. He writes:
"Thy Play, the Double Dealer, which I saw, (For since the separation of thy Law, 'Twas but that single one, which I could see) I've frequent thought on, and it seems to me 'Tis a Composition of a Master-hand, And all the Honours of thy Art command."
Dryden is suggesting that The Double Dealer is a work of great artistry and skill. He has thought about it frequently since he saw it, and he believes that it is a "Composition of a Master-hand." He is impressed by the way in which Congreve has used wit and humour to create a work of satire that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Dryden then goes on to describe some of the characters in The Double Dealer. He praises the character of Maskwell, who is a "Double Dealer" and a master of deception. He writes:
"Maskwell is one whom every Man would choose For his Companion, and would not refuse The near Conjunction of a Brother's Heart, Were he sure to act the honest Part."
Dryden is suggesting that Maskwell is a character who is both attractive and dangerous. He is someone who is charming and persuasive, but who is also capable of great deceit. Dryden's use of the phrase "Double Dealer" is significant, as it suggests that Maskwell is someone who is not to be trusted.
Dryden also praises the character of Lady Touchwood, who is a woman who is consumed by jealousy and revenge. He writes:
"Lady Touchwood is a Character so new, So rarely writ, so finely play'd, and true, That 'twere unjust to thee, should I refuse The Applause, which to her Merit's due."
Dryden is suggesting that Lady Touchwood is a character who is both complex and compelling. She is a woman who is driven by her emotions, and who is willing to do whatever it takes to get what she wants. Dryden's use of the phrase "finely play'd" suggests that Congreve has created a character who is both believable and engaging.
Dryden concludes his poem by praising Congreve's talent and predicting that he will continue to be successful. He writes:
"Thy Genius, which is all the World allows, At once inspires thee, and explains thy Muse; In Comedy thou art, as great as Fate; And mighty dullness feels thy powerful hate."
Dryden is suggesting that Congreve is a genius who is destined for greatness. He believes that Congreve's talent is recognized by the world, and that he is capable of inspiring others with his work. Dryden's use of the phrase "mighty dullness" is significant, as it suggests that Congreve's work is a powerful antidote to the boredom and mediocrity of everyday life.
In conclusion, "To My Dear Friend Mr. Congreve On His Comedy Call'd The Double Dealer" is a masterpiece of satire and wit. It provides a fascinating insight into the literary and cultural context of the Restoration era, and it celebrates the talent of one of the greatest playwrights of the time. Dryden's poem is a testament to the enduring power of Congreve's work, and it reminds us of the importance of wit, humour, and satire in our lives.
Editor Recommended Sites
Jupyter App: Jupyter applicationsLearn Javascript: Learn to program in the javascript programming language, typescript, learn react
LLM Book: Large language model book. GPT-4, gpt-4, chatGPT, bard / palm best practice
Cloud Simulation - Digital Twins & Optimization Network Flows: Simulate your business in the cloud with optimization tools and ontology reasoning graphs. Palantir alternative
Startup News: Valuation and acquisitions of the most popular startups
Recommended Similar Analysis
Land of Dreams, The by William Blake analysisOne need not be a Chamber-to be Haunted by Emily Dickinson analysis
In Broken Images by Robert Graves analysis
The Power of the Dog by Rudyard Kipling analysis
The Dolls by William Butler Yeats analysis
No Worst, There Is None by Gerard Manley Hopkins analysis
Elegy For Jane by Theodore Roethke analysis
Acquainted With The Night by Robert Lee Frost analysis
Sonnet 73: That time of year thou mayst in me behold by William Shakespeare analysis
I Speak Not by George Gordon, Lord Byron analysis