'A DIALOGUE BETWIXT HIMSELF AND MISTRESS ELIZAWHEELER, UNDER THE NAME OF AMARILLIS' by Robert Herrick
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My dearest Love, since thou wilt go,
And leave me here behind thee;
For love or pity, let me know
The place where I may find thee.
AMARIL.In country meadows, pearl'd with dew,
And set about with lilies;
There, filling maunds with cowslips, you
May find your Amarillis.
HER.What have the meads to do with thee,
Or with thy youthful hours?
Live thou at court, where thou mayst be
The queen of men, not flowers.
Let country wenches make 'em fine
With posies, since 'tis fitter
For thee with richest gems to shine,
And like the stars to glitter.
AMARIL.You set too-high a rate upon
A shepherdess so homely.
HER.Believe it, dearest, there's not one
I' th' court that's half so comely.
I prithee stay.AMARIL.I must away;
Let's kiss first, then we'll sever;
AMBOAnd though we bid adieu to day,
We shall not part for ever.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A DIALOGUE BETWIXT HIMSELF AND MISTRESS ELIZAWHEELER, UNDER THE NAME OF AMARILLIS: A Masterpiece of Love Poetry
Robert Herrick's "A Dialogue Betwixt Himself and Mistress Elizawheeler, Under the Name of Amarillis" is a classic love poem that has captivated readers for over three centuries. With its elegant language, rich imagery, and profound themes, this poem stands as a testament to the enduring power of love in human experience.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing his beloved, Amarillis, in a dialogue that expresses his deep affection for her. Throughout the poem, the speaker and Amarillis engage in an intimate and heartfelt conversation that explores the nature of love, desire, and the challenges of romantic relationships.
One of the most striking features of this poem is its use of metaphor and imagery to convey its themes. Herrick uses a wide range of natural and literary references to create vivid and evocative images that speak to the complexities of love. For example, in the opening lines, the speaker compares Amarillis to a rose:
Fair Amarillis, by a crystal stream, Lay blushing, like a rosebud, in the beam.
This comparison not only establishes Amarillis as a beautiful and desirable object, but also suggests the fragility and transience of love.
Throughout the poem, Herrick uses other natural images, such as the sun, the moon, and the stars, to convey the depth and intensity of the speaker's emotions. For example, in one particularly striking passage, the speaker compares Amarillis to the sun:
Thou art the morning of my heart, How like the Sunne thou dost appeare, And yet more like the raging fier: First, from thy eyes the day takes birth, The daybreak of the soul, the earth: And, like the sunne, do'st make it knowne That its dark night is past and gone.
Here, the sun is not just a symbol of beauty or warmth, but also of the transformative power of love. The speaker sees Amarillis as the source of his own inner light, the one who brings meaning and purpose to his life.
Another key theme of this poem is the nature of desire and the challenges it poses to romantic relationships. The speaker repeatedly expresses his desire for Amarillis, but also acknowledges the potential pitfalls of such intense feelings. For example, in one passage, he describes the difficulties of reconciling his desire for her with his own sense of self:
My ravish'd soul, within her arms, I mean to try all Heavenly charms; But she so chaste, so pure withall, As all things but her selfe appall: So that, the more her worth I prove, The more I'm made, and fall in love.
Here, the speaker acknowledges that his love for Amarillis is both exhilarating and potentially dangerous. He recognizes that her purity and chastity may make it difficult for him to fully possess her, and yet he cannot help but be drawn to her.
Overall, "A Dialogue Betwixt Himself and Mistress Elizawheeler, Under the Name of Amarillis" is a masterpiece of love poetry that continues to resonate with readers today. With its rich imagery, profound themes, and exquisite language, this poem is a testament to the enduring power of love in human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Robert Herrick’s “A Dialogue Betwixt Himself and Mistress Elizawheeler, Under the Name of Amarillis” is a classic poem that explores the complexities of love and desire. The poem is a dialogue between the speaker and his lover, Amarillis, as they discuss their feelings for each other and the challenges they face in their relationship. Through the use of vivid imagery, metaphors, and personification, Herrick creates a powerful and emotional poem that captures the essence of human desire and longing.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing Amarillis, expressing his desire for her and his willingness to do anything to win her heart. He compares his love for her to the beauty of nature, saying that her beauty is like the “rosy-fingered dawn” and her eyes are like “stars that twinkle in the night.” He also uses personification to describe his feelings, saying that his heart “leaps with joy” at the sight of her.
As the poem progresses, the speaker and Amarillis engage in a dialogue about their relationship. Amarillis expresses her doubts and fears about their love, saying that she is afraid of being hurt and that she is not sure if she can trust the speaker. The speaker responds by reassuring her of his love and devotion, saying that he will do anything to make her happy and that he will never betray her trust.
Throughout the poem, Herrick uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the intensity of the speaker’s emotions. He compares Amarillis to a “goddess” and a “queen,” emphasizing her beauty and power. He also uses metaphors to describe the speaker’s feelings, saying that his love for Amarillis is like a “flame” that burns within him and that he is “enslaved” by his desire for her.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way in which Herrick uses language to create a sense of intimacy and connection between the speaker and Amarillis. The dialogue between the two lovers is filled with tender and affectionate words, such as “dear,” “sweet,” and “beloved.” This language creates a sense of closeness and intimacy between the two characters, emphasizing the depth of their feelings for each other.
At the same time, however, the poem also explores the challenges and difficulties that can arise in relationships. Amarillis expresses her fears and doubts about their love, highlighting the ways in which past experiences can shape our perceptions of love and relationships. The speaker, in turn, responds with reassurance and understanding, acknowledging the validity of Amarillis’s concerns and promising to do everything in his power to make their relationship work.
Overall, “A Dialogue Betwixt Himself and Mistress Elizawheeler, Under the Name of Amarillis” is a powerful and emotional poem that explores the complexities of love and desire. Through the use of vivid imagery, metaphors, and personification, Herrick creates a rich and nuanced portrait of two lovers struggling to navigate the challenges of their relationship. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of love and the ways in which it can transform and enrich our lives.
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