'Song To Celia - II' by Ben Jonson
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Drink to me only with thine eyes,
And I will pledge with mine;
Or leave a kiss but in the cup,
And I'll not look for wine.
The thirst that from the soul doth rise
Doth ask a drink divine;
But might I of Jove's nectar sup,
I would not change for thine.
I sent thee late a rosy wreath,
Not so much honouring thee
As giving it a hope, that there
It could not withered be.
But thou thereon didst only breathe,
And sent'st it back to me;
Since when it grows, and smells, I swear,
Not of itself, but thee.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Song To Celia - II by Ben Jonson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
From the title, it is clear the poem is a continuation of a previous work by Ben Jonson. The first poem in the series, "Song to Celia," is a short, simple verse that repeats a single line: "Drink to me only with thine eyes." In contrast, "Song to Celia - II" is a longer and more complex poem, featuring sixteen stanzas of three lines each.
An Ode to Unrequited Love
The poem is an ode to unrequited love, with the speaker expressing his feelings for a woman named Celia. This is evident from the very first stanza, where the speaker declares that he would rather die than live without her love: "I die when I do not see thee / I die when I do not hear thee / I die when I do not kiss thee."
The repetition of "I die" emphasizes the intensity of the speaker's feelings, while the use of the present tense creates a sense of urgency and immediacy. It is as if the speaker is experiencing these emotions in the moment, as he composes the poem.
A Celebration of Beauty and Nature
At the same time, the poem is also a celebration of beauty and nature. The speaker uses vivid imagery to describe the world around him, from the "roses damasked, red and white" to the "crystal of the dew." In doing so, he creates a sense of wonder and awe, as if nature is a thing to be treasured and revered.
The poem is full of sensory details, which help to create a rich and immersive experience for the reader. For example, in the second stanza, the speaker describes the "amber scent of her hair" and the "sweetness of her breath." These details not only help to build a picture of Celia in the reader's mind but also evoke a sense of nostalgia, as if the speaker is remembering a particular moment in time.
The Power of Music
One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of music. The title itself is a reference to the fact that the poem was intended to be sung, and the stanzas themselves are structured in a way that is reminiscent of a song.
Throughout the poem, the speaker makes reference to various musical instruments, from the "lute" to the "violin." He also uses musical language to describe his feelings, talking about how Celia's voice is "music to my ear" and how her "breath is perfume unto me."
In doing so, Jonson emphasizes the power of music to convey emotions and create a sense of atmosphere. It is as if the speaker is using music as a way to express his feelings for Celia, to create a sense of connection between them.
The Theme of Transience
Another important theme in the poem is that of transience. The speaker is acutely aware of the fact that everything in life is fleeting and temporary, from the beauty of nature to the joy of love.
This theme is most evident in the eighth stanza, where the speaker reflects on the fact that even the most beautiful flowers will eventually wither and die: "But all pleasures fickle be / Most times foreseen, only grief we see."
The use of the word "fickle" emphasizes the fact that even the most beautiful things in life are ultimately fleeting and unreliable. It is a reminder that life is precious and should be cherished, even in the face of its inevitable impermanence.
The Role of Gender
One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is the role of gender. The speaker is clearly male, and Celia is female, but the power dynamic between them is not always clear.
At times, the speaker seems to be placing Celia on a pedestal, describing her in terms of her beauty and her ability to inspire him. However, at other times, he seems to be frustrated by her lack of response to his feelings, as if he is powerless to affect her in any way.
This ambiguity is most evident in the twelfth stanza, where the speaker declares that he would "drown in love" for Celia if only she would return his affections. The use of the word "drown" suggests a sense of danger and risk, as if the speaker is willing to sacrifice everything for his love.
At the same time, however, the fact that the speaker is the one doing the drowning suggests that he is the one who is ultimately powerless in the relationship. It is as if he is at the mercy of Celia's whims and desires, unable to control his own emotions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Song to Celia - II" is a complex and multi-layered poem that explores a range of themes, from love and beauty to transience and power dynamics. Through its vivid imagery, musical language, and powerful emotions, it creates a sense of connection between the reader and the speaker, drawing us into a world of intense feeling and romantic yearning.
As a continuation of Jonson's earlier work, it also serves as a testament to the enduring power of love and the way it can inspire us to create art and music that touches the soul. For anyone who has ever experienced unrequited love, the poem is a poignant and powerful reminder of the pain and beauty of human emotion.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Song To Celia - II: A Timeless Ode to Love and Beauty
Ben Jonson's "Song To Celia - II" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. Written in the 17th century, this poem is a timeless ode to love and beauty that continues to captivate readers to this day. In this article, we will take a closer look at the poem, its themes, and its significance in literature.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing Celia, a woman who is the object of his affection. He tells her that he has sent her a gift, a wreath of flowers, as a token of his love. The speaker then goes on to describe the beauty of the flowers, comparing them to Celia's own beauty. He tells her that the flowers will wither and fade, but his love for her will endure.
The poem is written in a lyrical style, with a regular rhyme scheme and meter. The use of rhyme and repetition gives the poem a musical quality, making it easy to read and remember. The poem is also filled with vivid imagery, with the flowers serving as a metaphor for Celia's beauty.
One of the key themes of the poem is the transience of beauty. The speaker acknowledges that the flowers will eventually wither and die, just as Celia's beauty will fade with time. However, he also suggests that true beauty is not just skin deep. He tells Celia that his love for her will endure, even as her physical beauty fades.
Another important theme of the poem is the power of love. The speaker's love for Celia is so strong that he is willing to send her a gift, even though he knows that it will eventually wither and fade. His love is not based on superficial qualities like physical beauty, but on a deeper connection that transcends time and space.
The poem also explores the idea of the unattainable. The speaker is clearly in love with Celia, but it is not clear whether his feelings are reciprocated. He sends her a gift, but it is unclear whether she will accept it or even acknowledge it. This sense of longing and unrequited love is a common theme in literature, and it adds to the emotional depth of the poem.
The poem's significance in literature lies in its ability to capture the essence of love and beauty in a few short lines. It is a testament to the power of poetry to convey complex emotions and ideas in a simple and accessible way. The poem has been widely anthologized and studied, and it continues to inspire readers and writers alike.
In conclusion, Ben Jonson's "Song To Celia - II" is a classic poem that explores the themes of love, beauty, and the transience of life. Its lyrical style, vivid imagery, and emotional depth have made it a timeless work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today. Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply appreciate the beauty of language, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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