'TO THE MAIDS, TO WALK ABROAD' by Robert Herrick
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Come, sit we under yonder tree,
Where merry as the maids we'll be;
And as on primroses we sit,
We'll venture, if we can, at wit;
If not, at draw-gloves we will play,
So spend some minutes of the day;
Or else spin out the thread of sands,
Playing at questions and commands:
Or tell what strange tricks Love can do,
By quickly making one of two.
Thus we will sit and talk, but tell
No cruel truths of Philomel,
Or Phillis, whom hard fate forced on
To kill herself for Demophon;
But fables we'll relate; how Jove
Put on all shapes to get a Love;
As now a satyr, then a swan,
A bull but then, and now a man.
Next, we will act how young men woo,
And sigh and kiss as lovers do;
And talk of brides; and who shall make
That wedding-smock, this bridal-cake,
That dress, this sprig, that leaf, this vine,
That smooth and silken columbine.
This done, we'll draw lots who shall buy
And gild the bays and rosemary;
What posies for our wedding rings;
What gloves we'll give, and ribbonings;
And smiling at our selves, decree
Who then the joining priest shall be;
What short sweet prayers shall be said,
And how the posset shall be made
With cream of lilies, not of kine,
And maiden's-blush for spiced wine.
Thus having talk'd, we'll next commend
A kiss to each, and so we'll end.
Editor 1 Interpretation
To the Maids, to Walk Abroad: A Critical Analysis
Are you ready to dive into the world of Robert Herrick's poetry and explore the rich meanings hidden within his words? Then buckle up, because we're about to take a deep dive into "To the Maids, to Walk Abroad," a classic poem that captures the essence of springtime and celebrates the freedom of young women.
The Poem: A Brief Overview
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of this poem, let's take a moment to appreciate its beauty and simplicity. "To the Maids, to Walk Abroad" is a short poem, consisting of only 12 lines, but it packs a powerful punch. It was written by Robert Herrick, a 17th-century poet known for his lyrical, pastoral style.
The poem encourages young women to go outside and enjoy the beauty of nature. It celebrates the arrival of spring and the freedom that comes with it. Here is the full text of the poem:
Come, sit we under yonder tree,
Where merry as the maids we'll be.
And as on primroses we sit,
We'll venture at the gambols wit.
Upon the grasshopper we'll leap,
And then we'll drink the waters deep,
And fearless, sing, and wanton play,
As frolic as the lambs in May.
A Closer Look at the Poem
Now that we've seen the poem in its entirety, let's break it down line by line and explore its deeper meanings.
1. Come, sit we under yonder tree,
The poem begins with an invitation to come and sit under a tree. The use of the archaic "we'll" here suggests that the speaker is addressing a group of people, likely young women.
2. Where merry as the maids we'll be.
The speaker is encouraging the group to be merry, using the simile "as merry as the maids." This suggests that the group is made up of young women, who are often associated with cheerfulness and gaiety.
3. And as on primroses we sit,
The group is now sitting on primroses, a type of small yellow flower often associated with springtime. This line sets the scene and establishes the time of year.
4. We'll venture at the gambols wit.
The word "gambols" means playful or boisterous actions, suggesting that the group is going to engage in some lively and carefree activities.
5. Upon the grasshopper we'll leap,
The grasshopper is a symbol of spring and new beginnings. The group is going to leap upon it, suggesting that they are eager to embrace the season and all its possibilities.
6. And then we'll drink the waters deep,
Drinking water is often associated with purity and innocence. This line suggests that the group is going to embrace the simple pleasures of life and find joy in the little things.
7. And fearless, sing, and wanton play,
The group is going to be fearless, suggesting that they are unafraid to take risks and live life to the fullest. They are also going to sing and engage in "wanton play," which suggests a sense of carefree abandon.
8. As frolic as the lambs in May.
The poem ends with a simile comparing the group to frolicsome lambs in May. This is a fitting comparison, as lambs are often associated with youth and vitality.
Themes and Interpretations
So what does all of this mean? What deeper themes is Herrick exploring in this poem? Let's take a look.
The Arrival of Spring
One of the most obvious themes in this poem is the arrival of spring. The use of primroses and grasshoppers, as well as the overall tone of the poem, suggests that Herrick is celebrating the season and all its associated pleasures. The arrival of spring is often associated with new beginnings and the promise of better things to come, and this poem captures that sense of hope and anticipation.
Youth and Freedom
Another key theme in this poem is youth and freedom. The group of young women in the poem are carefree and unafraid, singing and playing without a care in the world. This suggests a sense of youthful vitality and energy that is often associated with springtime. It also suggests a sense of freedom, as the women are able to enjoy themselves without worrying about societal expectations or restrictions.
The Joy of Simple Pleasures
Finally, this poem celebrates the joy of simple pleasures. The group of women in the poem are not engaging in anything particularly extravagant or expensive - they are simply sitting under a tree, leaping on grasshoppers, and drinking water. This suggests that happiness can be found in the little things, and that we should not overlook the simple pleasures that life has to offer.
Conclusion
"To the Maids, to Walk Abroad" is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of springtime and celebrates the freedom of youth. Through its use of vivid imagery and playful language, it encourages us to embrace the season and find joy in the little things. Whether we are young or old, this poem reminds us that life is full of simple pleasures that can bring us happiness if we are willing to seek them out.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
To the Maids, to Walk Abroad: A Timeless Ode to Freedom and Femininity
Robert Herrick's "To the Maids, to Walk Abroad" is a classic poem that celebrates the beauty and freedom of women. Written in the 17th century, the poem is a timeless ode to femininity and the power of women to break free from societal constraints and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of the poem, and how they contribute to its enduring appeal.
The poem begins with a call to action: "Come, sit we under yonder tree, / Where merry as the maids we'll be." The speaker invites the maids to join him in a moment of leisure, to take a break from their daily chores and responsibilities and enjoy the beauty of nature. The tree is a symbol of stability and rootedness, a reminder that even in the midst of chaos and change, there is always a place of refuge and peace.
The next stanza celebrates the beauty and grace of the maids: "With men of wit and wealth to boot, / With him who bears the sway of the state, / We'll gladly sit, and play, and sport, / And kiss bright Cis, or Kate, or Nell." Here, the speaker acknowledges the social hierarchy of the time, where men of wealth and power held sway over the common people. However, he also suggests that in the company of these maids, even the most powerful men would gladly sit and play, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
The third stanza is perhaps the most famous of the poem, and it celebrates the freedom of the maids to walk abroad and enjoy the beauty of nature: "Then let the rain come down, and snow, / And the wind come whistling through the hall: / All weathers are to us alike, / Whether the summer clothe the ground, / Or winter chill the air with frosty rime." The maids are not afraid of the elements, nor are they bound by the conventions of society. They are free to walk abroad, to explore the world around them, and to revel in the beauty of nature.
The fourth stanza continues this theme of freedom and independence: "We care not for the morrow's cheer, / Nor the earth's increase, nor the sea's: / Our own affection's all we bear, / Which as we please we give, and ease." The maids are not concerned with material possessions or worldly success. They are content with their own company, and with the simple pleasures of life. They give their affection freely, without expectation or obligation, and find joy in the act of giving.
The final stanza brings the poem to a close with a call to action: "We'll ask no whit what goals they serve, / By what stars they steer their course, / But joy, and health, and love we'll carve, / And fitteth Bacchus' flowing bowls." The maids are not concerned with the goals or ambitions of others. They are focused on their own joy, health, and love, and they celebrate these things with Bacchus' flowing bowls. The reference to Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and revelry, suggests that the maids are not afraid to indulge in the pleasures of life, and that they are unapologetic in their pursuit of happiness.
Overall, "To the Maids, to Walk Abroad" is a celebration of freedom, femininity, and the simple pleasures of life. The poem speaks to a universal human desire for independence and self-expression, and it reminds us that even in the midst of societal constraints and expectations, there is always a way to break free and enjoy the beauty of the world around us. Robert Herrick's language and imagery are simple yet powerful, and they capture the essence of what it means to be human. This poem is a timeless classic that will continue to inspire and delight readers for generations to come.
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