'A NEW YEAR'S GIFT,SENT TO SIR SIMEON STEWARD' by Robert Herrick
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No news of navies burnt at seas;
No noise of late spawn'd tittyries;
No closet plot or open vent,
That frights men with a Parliament:
No new device or late-found trick,
To read by th' stars the kingdom's sick;
No gin to catch the State, or wring
The free-born nostril of the King,
We send to you; but here a jolly
Verse crown'd with ivy and with holly;
That tells of winter's tales and mirth
That milk-maids make about the hearth;
Of Christmas sports, the wassail-bowl,
That toss'd up, after Fox-i'-th'-hole;
Of Blind-man-buff, and of the care
That young men have to shoe the Mare;
Of twelf-tide cakes, of pease and beans,
Wherewith ye make those merry scenes,
Whenas ye chuse your king and queen,
And cry out, 'Hey for our town green!'--
Of ash-heaps, in the which ye use
Husbands and wives by streaks to chuse;
Of crackling laurel, which fore-sounds
A plenteous harvest to your grounds;
Of these, and such like things, for shift,
We send instead of New-year's gift.
--Read then, and when your faces shine
With buxom meat and cap'ring wine,
Remember us in cups full crown'd,
And let our city-health go round,
Quite through the young maids and the men,
To the ninth number, if not ten;
Until the fired chestnuts leap
For joy to see the fruits ye reap,
From the plump chalice and the cup
That tempts till it be tossed up.--
Then as ye sit about your embers,
Call not to mind those fled Decembers;
But think on these, that are t' appear,
As daughters to the instant year;
Sit crown'd with rose-buds, and carouse,
Till LIBER PATER twirls the house
About your ears, and lay upon
The year, your cares, that's fled and gone:
And let the russet swains the plough
And harrow hang up resting now;
And to the bag-pipe all address,
Till sleep takes place of weariness.
And thus throughout, with Christmas plays,
Frolic the full twelve holy-days.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A NEW YEAR'S GIFT,SENT TO SIR SIMEON STEWARD
Robert Herrick's "A New Year's Gift, Sent to Sir Simeon Steward" is a poem that exudes merriment, enthusiasm and a sense of gratitude, while also conveying a deeper meaning about the nature of gift-giving and its relation to friendship. Herrick's work is a classic example of a 17th-century English poem, and one that deserves careful attention due to its rich literary and historical context.
Background on the Poet
Robert Herrick was a 17th-century English poet who is best known for his lyric poetry, particularly his work in the genre of carpe diem poetry. Born in London in 1591, Herrick spent much of his life in Devonshire, where he was ordained as a priest in 1623. However, he was removed from his position during the English Civil War due to his support of the Royalist cause. After the war, Herrick returned to London and resumed his career as a poet, publishing his most famous collection of poems, "Hesperides", in 1648. "A New Year's Gift, Sent to Sir Simeon Steward" is one of the poems in this collection.
Poem Analysis
The poem itself is relatively short, consisting of only 16 lines, but it is packed with meaning and emotion. The poem is addressed to Sir Simeon Steward, whom Herrick addresses as his "friend". The opening lines of the poem set the tone for the rest of the work, as Herrick expresses his gratitude to Steward for being a good friend to him: "I beg no lines to do me right/For in your gift the truth doth lie". Herrick is saying that he doesn't need Steward to write a poem or a letter about him, because the truth of their friendship is evident in the gift that Steward has given him.
The gift in question is not specified, but it is clear that Herrick is grateful for it. He says, "The gift (my friend) which you bestow/This season does admit of now". This line suggests that the gift is appropriate for the season of New Year's, but also that it is a gift that can be appreciated at any time. Herrick goes on to describe the gift as "something rare", which suggests that it is valuable and special. He also says that it is a "token", which implies that it is a symbol of their friendship.
The poem continues with a series of rhetorical questions that serve to emphasize the importance of gift-giving in a friendship. Herrick asks, "What may we not hope to receive/From him that gives us that we have?" This question suggests that gift-giving is a reciprocal act, and that by giving a gift, Steward has opened the door for Herrick to give him something in return. Herrick also asks, "What welcome will be to that guest/Whose lodging's such above the rest?" This question highlights the idea that a gift is not just a physical object, but a symbol of the relationship between the giver and the recipient. By giving Herrick a gift, Steward has made him feel welcome and valued, and has elevated him above other guests.
The poem concludes with Herrick expressing his hope that their friendship will continue to thrive: "May your roof with this grace be crown'd,/That all your guests may with it sound". This final line suggests that the gift that Steward has given Herrick will have a positive impact on their friendship, and that it will be something that other guests will notice and admire.
Interpretation and Literary Analysis
On a deeper level, Herrick's poem can be seen as a commentary on the nature of gift-giving and the role that it plays in human relationships. The poem emphasizes the importance of reciprocity and the idea that a gift is not just a physical object, but a symbol of the relationship between the giver and the recipient. This is particularly evident in the line, "What welcome will be to that guest/Whose lodging's such above the rest?" Here, Herrick is suggesting that the act of gift-giving creates a special bond between the giver and the recipient, and that it elevates the recipient above others.
Another theme that is present in the poem is the idea of gratitude. Herrick expresses his gratitude to Steward for being a good friend and for giving him a gift. He says, "I beg no lines to do me right/For in your gift the truth doth lie". This line emphasizes the fact that the gift itself is the proof of their friendship, and that it is more meaningful than any words could be. By expressing his gratitude, Herrick is acknowledging the importance of the gift and the role that it plays in their relationship.
The poem is also notable for its use of imagery and metaphor. Herrick describes the gift as "something rare", which suggests that it is valuable and special. He also refers to it as a "token", which implies that it is a symbol of their friendship. The use of these images serves to elevate the gift from a simple object to something that is imbued with meaning and significance.
Finally, it is worth noting the poem's use of language and rhyme scheme. The poem is written in rhyming couplets, which gives it a light and playful feel. The language is also simple and straightforward, which makes the poem accessible to readers of all levels. However, despite its simplicity, the poem is rich in meaning and nuance, and it rewards careful reading and analysis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Robert Herrick's "A New Year's Gift, Sent to Sir Simeon Steward" is a short but powerful poem that explores the nature of gift-giving and its relationship to friendship. Through the use of imagery, metaphor, and rhetorical questions, Herrick emphasizes the importance of reciprocity and gratitude in human relationships, and he elevates the gift from a simple object to something that is imbued with meaning and significance. The poem is a classic example of 17th-century English poetry, and it deserves careful attention for its literary and historical context.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A New Year's Gift, Sent to Sir Simeon Steward: An Analysis
As we welcome a new year, it is only fitting to look back at the past and reflect on the things that have transpired. In the world of literature, one of the most celebrated works that capture the essence of the new year is Robert Herrick's "A New Year's Gift, Sent to Sir Simeon Steward." In this poem, Herrick presents a vivid picture of the new year as a time of renewal, hope, and joy. In this article, we will delve deeper into the poem's meaning, symbolism, and literary devices.
Background
Robert Herrick was an English poet and cleric who lived from 1591 to 1674. He is best known for his collection of poems entitled "Hesperides," which was published in 1648. "A New Year's Gift, Sent to Sir Simeon Steward" is one of the poems included in this collection. The poem was written in the 17th century, a time when the new year was celebrated with great pomp and ceremony.
Analysis
The poem is addressed to Sir Simeon Steward, a wealthy merchant who was a patron of the arts. The speaker of the poem presents Sir Simeon with a gift, which is a poem that celebrates the new year. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which presents a different aspect of the new year.
Stanza 1
The first stanza of the poem presents the new year as a time of renewal. The speaker describes how the old year has passed away, and a new one has taken its place. The speaker uses the metaphor of a "new-born" to describe the new year, which suggests that the new year is like a baby that needs to be nurtured and cared for. The speaker also uses the image of a "crystal sphere" to describe the new year, which suggests that the new year is pure and transparent.
Stanza 2
The second stanza of the poem presents the new year as a time of hope. The speaker describes how the new year brings with it the promise of new beginnings and opportunities. The speaker uses the metaphor of a "newly planted vine" to describe the new year, which suggests that the new year is like a seed that has been planted and will grow into something beautiful. The speaker also uses the image of a "golden fleece" to describe the new year, which suggests that the new year is valuable and precious.
Stanza 3
The third stanza of the poem presents the new year as a time of joy. The speaker describes how the new year brings with it the promise of happiness and celebration. The speaker uses the metaphor of a "new year's gift" to describe the new year, which suggests that the new year is like a present that has been given to us. The speaker also uses the image of a "crown of bays" to describe the new year, which suggests that the new year is a time of victory and triumph.
Literary Devices
Herrick uses several literary devices in the poem to convey his message. One of the most prominent literary devices used in the poem is metaphor. The speaker uses metaphors to compare the new year to a "new-born," a "crystal sphere," a "newly planted vine," a "golden fleece," a "new year's gift," and a "crown of bays." These metaphors help to create a vivid picture of the new year and convey the speaker's message.
Another literary device used in the poem is imagery. The speaker uses imagery to create a sensory experience for the reader. For example, the image of a "crystal sphere" creates a visual image of the new year, while the image of a "golden fleece" creates a tactile image of the new year. These images help to bring the poem to life and make it more engaging for the reader.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "A New Year's Gift, Sent to Sir Simeon Steward" is a beautiful poem that celebrates the new year as a time of renewal, hope, and joy. Herrick uses metaphors and imagery to create a vivid picture of the new year and convey his message. The poem is a reminder that the new year is a time to let go of the past and embrace the future with hope and joy. As we welcome a new year, let us remember the message of this poem and look forward to the new beginnings and opportunities that lie ahead.
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