'UPON A DELAYING LADY' by Robert Herrick
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Come, come away
Or let me go;
Must I here stay
Because you're slow,
And will continue so;
--Troth, lady, no.
I scorn to be
A slave to state;
And since I'm free,
I will not wait,
Henceforth at such a rate,
For needy fate.
If you desire
My spark should glow,
The peeping fire
You must blow;
Or I shall quickly grow
To frost, or snow.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Upon a Delaying Lady: A Detailed Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Robert Herrick, one of the greatest poets of the seventeenth century, was known for his love poems, elegies, and religious meditations. One of his most popular poems is "Upon a Delaying Lady," which captures the essence of a woman's reluctance to commit to a lover. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will analyze the poem's form, content, and meaning to gain a deeper understanding of its significance.
Form
"Upon a Delaying Lady" is a rhymed couplet poem with a consistent meter and rhyme scheme. Each line is in iambic tetrameter, with four beats per line, and the rhyme scheme is AABBCCDD. The poem's structure is simple but effective in conveying the speaker's message. The use of rhymed couplets creates a sense of musicality and unity, which adds to the poem's overall charm.
Content
The poem opens with the speaker addressing a "delaying lady" and questioning her motives for delaying her commitment to him. He accuses her of playing games and leading him on, even though he has been nothing but patient and understanding. The speaker then goes on to describe the various ways in which he has tried to win her heart, including writing love letters, sending gifts, and singing songs.
The speaker's frustration and disappointment are evident in his tone and choice of words. He uses harsh language to describe the lady's behavior, calling her a "foolish virgin" and a "fickle dame." He also makes references to classical mythology, comparing the lady to Daphne, the nymph who rejected Apollo's advances and was turned into a laurel tree. The speaker's use of mythological allusions adds depth to the poem and shows his literary prowess.
In the final lines of the poem, the speaker expresses his desire to move on and find someone who will reciprocate his love. He warns the lady that she will regret her decision to delay, as he will soon be gone and she will be left alone. The poem ends on a note of finality, with the speaker declaring that he will not waste any more time on a woman who cannot make up her mind.
Meaning
"Upon a Delaying Lady" is a poem about unrequited love and the frustration that comes with it. The speaker is deeply in love with the lady but is met with resistance and hesitation. He feels that she is toying with his emotions and leading him on, which causes him great distress. The poem speaks to the universal experience of rejection and the pain that comes with it.
The poem's meaning is further emphasized by the speaker's use of classical mythology. Daphne's story is one of rejection and transformation, much like the speaker's own experience. The mythological allusions serve to elevate the poem's themes and show the speaker's erudition.
The poem also highlights the importance of communication in relationships. The speaker is frustrated by the lady's lack of commitment and wishes she would be more forthcoming with her feelings. He feels that she is stringing him along, which causes him great anxiety. The poem serves as a warning to those who delay their commitment in relationships, as they may end up losing the person they love.
Interpretation
"Upon a Delaying Lady" is a poignant and relatable poem that captures the pain of unrequited love. The speaker's frustration and disappointment are palpable, and his use of language is powerful in conveying his emotions. The poem's form and structure add to its charm, making it a pleasure to read and recite.
The poem can be interpreted in several ways, depending on the reader's perspective. Some may see it as a cautionary tale about the dangers of delaying commitment in relationships, while others may see it as a commentary on gender roles and power dynamics. The poem can also be read as a reflection of the speaker's own insecurities and self-doubt, as he questions his worthiness and attractiveness to the lady.
Overall, "Upon a Delaying Lady" is a timeless poem that speaks to the universal experience of rejection and heartbreak. Its themes and messages are still relevant today, centuries after it was written. Robert Herrick's mastery of language and form make this poem a true masterpiece of English literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Upon a Delaying Lady: A Poem of Love and Patience
Robert Herrick’s Upon a Delaying Lady is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of love, patience, and the power of waiting. The poem is a perfect example of Herrick’s mastery of the art of poetry, as he uses vivid imagery, metaphors, and personification to convey his message. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem is addressed to a lady who is delaying her response to the speaker’s love. The speaker is patient and willing to wait for her, but he also expresses his frustration at her indecisiveness. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with its own distinct message.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, as the speaker addresses the lady and expresses his love for her. He compares her to a flower that is waiting to bloom, and he urges her to open up to him. The use of the metaphor of the flower is significant, as it conveys the idea of growth and development. The speaker is asking the lady to take a chance on love and to allow herself to grow and flourish in his company.
The second stanza is where the speaker expresses his frustration at the lady’s delay. He compares her to a snail that is slow and hesitant, and he urges her to make a decision. The use of the metaphor of the snail is significant, as it conveys the idea of slowness and indecisiveness. The speaker is asking the lady to be more decisive and to make a choice, either to accept his love or to reject it.
The third stanza is where the speaker expresses his patience and willingness to wait for the lady. He compares himself to a tree that is rooted in the ground, and he assures the lady that he will wait for her as long as it takes. The use of the metaphor of the tree is significant, as it conveys the idea of stability and steadfastness. The speaker is telling the lady that he is willing to be patient and to wait for her, no matter how long it takes.
The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four iambs, or metrical feet. An iamb is a metrical foot consisting of one stressed syllable followed by one unstressed syllable. The use of iambic tetrameter gives the poem a rhythmic and musical quality, which adds to its beauty and appeal.
The poem also uses several literary devices, such as metaphors, personification, and alliteration. The use of metaphors, as we have seen, is significant, as it conveys complex ideas and emotions in a simple and accessible way. The use of personification, such as in the line “Ope but thy rosy lips and suck the air,” gives the poem a sense of life and vitality, as if the lady is a living being with her own desires and needs. The use of alliteration, such as in the line “Slow, slow, fresh fount, keep time with my salt tears,” adds to the musical quality of the poem and makes it more memorable.
In conclusion, Upon a Delaying Lady is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of love, patience, and the power of waiting. The poem is a perfect example of Robert Herrick’s mastery of the art of poetry, as he uses vivid imagery, metaphors, and personification to convey his message. The poem is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and move readers to this day.
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