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'THE PRESENT TIME BEST PLEASETH' by Robert Herrick


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Praise, they that will, times past: I joy to see
Myself now live; this age best pleaseth me!

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Timeless Beauty of Robert Herrick's "The Present Time Best Pleaseth"

When it comes to English poetry, Robert Herrick is a name that could never be forgotten. Born in 1591 and died in 1674, his poems are still being read and appreciated today, almost 350 years after his death. One of his most famous works is "The Present Time Best Pleaseth," a poem that captures the essence of carpe diem, or living in the present moment. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the timeless beauty of this poem, examining its themes, imagery, and language.

The Theme of Carpe Diem

At the heart of "The Present Time Best Pleaseth" is the theme of carpe diem, the Latin phrase that means "seize the day." The concept of carpe diem was popularized during the Renaissance, a period known for its emphasis on living life to the fullest. In the poem, Herrick encourages the reader to live in the moment and enjoy life's pleasures while they last. The poem begins:

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, Old Time is still a-flying: And this same flower that smiles to-day To-morrow will be dying.

These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, emphasizing the fleeting nature of life and the importance of enjoying it while we can. Herrick uses the metaphor of a rose to represent life's pleasures, reminding us that they are beautiful but short-lived. The poem is a reminder that we should not waste our time on things that do not matter and instead focus on what brings us joy.

The Use of Imagery

One of the reasons "The Present Time Best Pleaseth" is such a powerful poem is its use of imagery. Throughout the poem, Herrick uses vivid and striking images to convey his message. For example, in the third stanza, he writes:

Then be not coy, but use your time; And while ye may, go marry: For having lost but once your prime, You may for ever tarry.

Here, Herrick uses the image of marriage to represent one of life's greatest pleasures. He encourages the reader not to be hesitant but to seize the moment and enjoy the pleasures that life has to offer. The use of the word "coy" is particularly effective, as it suggests a reluctance to act on one's desires. Herrick is telling us to be bold and decisive in our pursuit of happiness.

Another example of powerful imagery is found in the seventh stanza:

Then be not loth to use thy time; Neither be thou afraid, When Death's fell dart doth thee arrest, That thou shalt be betray'd.

Here, Herrick uses the image of death to remind us of the fleeting nature of life. The use of the word "loath" suggests hesitation, while "Death's fell dart" is a powerful and striking image that conveys the suddenness of death. Herrick is telling us that we should not be afraid to live our lives to the fullest, even in the face of death.

The Language of the Poem

In addition to its themes and imagery, "The Present Time Best Pleaseth" is also notable for its language. Herrick's use of language is simple yet elegant, and his words have a musical quality that makes the poem a joy to read. For example, consider the opening lines:

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, Old Time is still a-flying: And this same flower that smiles to-day To-morrow will be dying.

The alliteration in the first line, with the repetition of the "g" sound, gives the poem a musical quality. The use of the word "smiles" in the third line is particularly effective, as it suggests a sense of joy and happiness. The use of the word "dying" in the final line is also powerful, as it emphasizes the fleeting nature of life.

Another example of Herrick's effective use of language is found in the second stanza:

The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun, The higher he's a-getting, The sooner will his race be run, And nearer he's to setting.

Here, Herrick uses the metaphor of the sun to represent life itself. The use of the word "glorious" suggests the beauty and wonder of life, while the phrase "the sooner will his race be run" conveys the sense of urgency that is central to the poem's theme of carpe diem. The use of the word "setting" in the final line effectively conveys the idea of life coming to an end.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Present Time Best Pleaseth" is a timeless poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its theme of carpe diem is as relevant now as it was when the poem was written, and Herrick's use of imagery and language make it a joy to read. The poem encourages us to live in the present moment and to enjoy life's pleasures while we can. It reminds us that life is short and that we should make the most of the time we have. As Herrick writes in the final stanza:

Then be not coy, but use your time, And while ye may, go marry: For having lost but once your prime, You may for ever tarry.

These words are as powerful now as they were in the seventeenth century, and they serve as a reminder to all of us to make the most of the time we have.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Present Time Best Pleaseth: A Timeless Classic by Robert Herrick

Robert Herrick, a 17th-century English poet, is known for his lyrical and pastoral poetry. One of his most famous works is "The Present Time Best Pleaseth," a poem that captures the essence of living in the moment and enjoying life to the fullest. In this article, we will analyze and explain this timeless classic in detail.

The poem begins with the line, "The present time best please." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, emphasizing the importance of living in the present moment. Herrick urges his readers to enjoy the present time, as it is the only time that truly matters. He believes that the past is gone and the future is uncertain, so the present is all we have.

Herrick then goes on to describe the joys of the present time. He mentions the beauty of nature, the pleasures of love, and the enjoyment of good company. He encourages his readers to take pleasure in these things and to not worry about the future or dwell on the past. He writes, "Let's drink and sport to-day; / Ours is not to-morrow."

The poem also touches on the fleeting nature of time. Herrick reminds us that time is constantly moving forward and that we cannot stop it. He writes, "Time flies away, and yet we sit / And see it pass by us." This line serves as a reminder to live in the moment and not waste time on things that do not matter.

Herrick's use of language in this poem is also noteworthy. He employs a variety of poetic devices, including alliteration, repetition, and metaphor. For example, in the line "The present time best please," Herrick uses alliteration to emphasize the importance of the present moment. The repetition of the phrase "Let's drink and sport to-day" also serves to reinforce the idea of living in the moment.

The metaphor of time as a fleeting entity is also prevalent throughout the poem. Herrick compares time to a river, saying that it "flows, and never stays." This metaphor emphasizes the idea that time is constantly moving forward and that we must make the most of the present moment before it is gone.

Overall, "The Present Time Best Pleaseth" is a timeless classic that encourages us to live in the moment and enjoy life to the fullest. Herrick's use of language and poetic devices serves to reinforce this message and make it all the more powerful. The poem is a reminder that time is fleeting and that we must make the most of the present moment before it is gone.

In conclusion, Robert Herrick's "The Present Time Best Pleaseth" is a beautiful and timeless poem that captures the essence of living in the moment. Its message is as relevant today as it was when it was written over 300 years ago. So let us take Herrick's advice and enjoy the present time, for it truly is the best time.

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