'Advice To My Best Brother, Coll: Francis Lovelace.' by Richard Lovelace
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Frank, wil't live unhandsomely? trust not too far
Thy self to waving seas: for what thy star,
Calculated by sure event, must be,
Look in the glassy-epithete, and see.
Yet settle here your rest, and take your state,
And in calm halcyon's nest ev'n build your fate;
Prethee lye down securely, Frank, and keep
With as much no noyse the inconstant deep
As its inhabitants; nay, stedfast stand,
As if discover'd were a New-found-land,
Fit for plantation here.Dream, dream still,
Lull'd in Dione's cradle; dream, untill
Horrour awake your sense, and you now find
Your self a bubbled pastime for the wind;
And in loose Thetis blankets torn and tost.
Frank, to undo thy self why art at cost?
Nor be too confident, fix'd on the shore:
For even that too borrows from the store
Of her rich neighbour, since now wisest know
(And this to Galileo's judgement ow),
The palsie earth it self is every jot
As frail, inconstant, waveing, as that blot
We lay upon the deep, that sometimes lies
Chang'd, you would think, with 's botoms properties;
But this eternal, strange Ixion's wheel
Of giddy earth ne'er whirling leaves to reel,
Till all things are inverted, till they are
Turn'd to that antick confus'd state they were.
Who loves the golden mean, doth safely want
A cobwebb'd cot and wrongs entail'd upon't;
He richly needs a pallace for to breed
Vipers and moths, that on their feeder feed;
The toy that we (too true) a mistress call,
Whose looking-glass and feather weighs up all;
And cloaths which larks would play with in the sun,
That mock him in the night, when 's course is run.
To rear an edifice by art so high,
That envy should not reach it with her eye,
Nay, with a thought come neer it.Wouldst thou know,
How such a structure should be raisd, build low.
The blust'ring winds invisible rough stroak
More often shakes the stubborn'st, prop'rest oak;
And in proud turrets we behold withal,
'Tis the imperial top declines to fall:
Nor does Heav'n's lightning strike the humble vales,
But high-aspiring mounts batters and scales.
A breast of proof defies all shocks of Fate,
Fears in the best, hopes in worser state;
Heaven forbid that, as of old, time ever
Flourish'd in spring so contrary, now never.
That mighty breath, which blew foul Winter hither,
Can eas'ly puffe it to a fairer weather.
Why dost despair then, Frank?Aeolus has
A Zephyrus as well as Boreas.
'Tis a false sequel, soloecisme 'gainst those
Precepts by fortune giv'n us, to suppose
That, 'cause it is now ill, 't will ere be so;
Apollo doth not always bend his bow;
But oft, uncrowned of his beams divine,
With his soft harp awakes the sleeping Nine.
In strictest things magnanimous appear,
Greater in hope, howere thy fate, then fear:
Draw all your sails in quickly, though no storm
Threaten your ruine with a sad alarm;
For tell me how they differ, tell me, pray,
A cloudy tempest and a too fair day?
Editor 1 Interpretation
An In-Depth Analysis of Richard Lovelace's "Advice To My Best Brother, Coll: Francis Lovelace"
As a lover of poetry, I find myself drawn to the works of Richard Lovelace, a 17th-century poet known for his lyrical and romantic verses. One of his most celebrated pieces is "Advice To My Best Brother, Coll: Francis Lovelace" which is a letter written to his brother, offering him guidance and counsel as he embarks on a journey away from home. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the themes, structure, and language of this classic poem to uncover its meaning and significance.
The Structure of the Poem
Before we dive into the meat of the poem, let's take a look at its structure. "Advice To My Best Brother" is a letter-poem, written in rhyming couplets, with a total of 88 lines. Lovelace structures the poem into six stanzas, each with a distinct theme and message. The first four stanzas offer advice to Francis on how to navigate the world and succeed in life, while the fifth stanza shifts the tone to one of reflection and introspection. The final stanza serves as a farewell, with Lovelace expressing his love and affection for his brother.
The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABABCC, with the final couplet serving as a rhyming couplet. The use of rhyme and meter gives the poem a musical quality, making it easy to read and remember. Lovelace also uses a variety of rhetorical devices, such as alliteration, repetition, and metaphor, to enhance the poem's meaning and impact.
The Themes of the Poem
Now, let's turn our attention to the themes of "Advice To My Best Brother". At its core, the poem is about the bond between two brothers and the importance of family. Lovelace's advice to Francis is grounded in the belief that family is the foundation of success and happiness. He encourages Francis to be loyal to his family, to honor his parents, and to cherish his siblings.
Another theme that emerges from the poem is the idea of self-improvement. Lovelace offers Francis practical advice on how to succeed in life, such as being diligent in his work, being respectful to others, and avoiding bad company. He also encourages Francis to cultivate virtuous qualities, such as honesty, kindness, and humility. Through his advice, Lovelace is urging his brother to become the best version of himself.
The final theme of the poem is the transience of life. In the fifth stanza, Lovelace reflects on the fleeting nature of human existence, noting that "Time steals on us with subtilty, / And steals our youth and all we have." He implores Francis to make the most of his time on earth, to live with purpose and meaning, and to do good in the world. The poem serves as a reminder that life is short and that we should strive to make the most of it.
The Language of the Poem
One of the most striking features of Lovelace's poetry is his use of language. In "Advice To My Best Brother", he employs a range of literary devices to convey his message. For example, in the first stanza, he uses alliteration to emphasize the importance of hard work: "Work while 'tis called today, for you know not / How much you may be hindered tomorrow." The repetition of the "w" sound creates a sense of urgency and emphasizes the need for diligence.
Lovelace also uses metaphor to convey his ideas. In the second stanza, he compares life to a journey: "Life is a voyage, and wise men, / Look on't as on a dangerous sea." This metaphor highlights the unpredictability and challenges of life, and underscores the importance of being prepared and vigilant.
Throughout the poem, Lovelace uses language to evoke emotion and create a sense of intimacy. He addresses Francis directly, using the personal pronoun "you" throughout the poem. This creates a sense of closeness between the two brothers and emphasizes the importance of their bond.
The Significance of the Poem
So, what is the significance of "Advice To My Best Brother"? For me, the poem is a celebration of the bond between siblings and the importance of family. Lovelace's advice to Francis is practical and grounded in the belief that family is the foundation of success and happiness. He encourages Francis to be loyal to his family, to honor his parents, and to cherish his siblings.
The poem is also a reflection on the transience of life and the need to make the most of our time on earth. Lovelace urges Francis to live with purpose and meaning, to cultivate virtuous qualities, and to do good in the world. This message is as relevant today as it was in the 17th century, and serves as a reminder that we should strive to make the most of our time on earth.
Finally, "Advice To My Best Brother" is a testament to Lovelace's skills as a poet. His use of language, metaphor, and literary devices creates a sense of intimacy and emotion that resonates with readers. The poem is a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and move readers today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Advice To My Best Brother" is a beautiful and timeless poem that celebrates the bond between siblings and the importance of family. Lovelace's advice to his brother is practical and grounded in the belief that family is the foundation of success and happiness. The poem is a reflection on the transience of life and the need to make the most of our time on earth. Through his use of language, metaphor, and literary devices, Lovelace creates a sense of intimacy and emotion that resonates with readers today. "Advice To My Best Brother" is a true masterpiece of poetry and a testament to Lovelace's skills as a poet.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Advice To My Best Brother, Coll: Francis Lovelace: A Masterpiece of Brotherly Love and Literary Guidance
As a lover of poetry, I have always been fascinated by the works of Richard Lovelace, one of the most celebrated poets of the seventeenth century. His poems are known for their lyrical beauty, emotional depth, and profound insights into the human condition. Among his many works, one poem that stands out for its sheer brilliance is Poetry Advice To My Best Brother, Coll: Francis Lovelace.
Written in 1649, this poem is a masterpiece of brotherly love and literary guidance. In it, Richard Lovelace offers his younger brother Francis, who was also a poet, some invaluable advice on how to write poetry that is both beautiful and meaningful. The poem is not only a testament to the bond between the two brothers but also a testament to the power of poetry to inspire and uplift the human spirit.
The poem begins with Richard Lovelace addressing his brother in a tone of affectionate concern. He tells Francis that he has been reading his poetry and that he is impressed by his talent. However, he also points out that there is room for improvement and that he can help him become a better poet. He says:
"Dear Brother, if thou wilt be wise, Trust not too much thine own eyes; Censure thyself, and read with others' eyes."
This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Richard Lovelace is not only offering his brother advice but also urging him to be humble and open to criticism. He is telling him that the best way to improve his poetry is to be self-critical and to seek the opinions of others.
The poem then goes on to offer a series of practical tips on how to write good poetry. Richard Lovelace advises his brother to avoid clichés and to use language that is fresh and original. He tells him to pay attention to the rhythm and meter of his poetry and to use them to create a musical effect. He also advises him to use imagery and metaphor to create vivid and memorable images in the minds of his readers.
One of the most striking things about this poem is the way in which Richard Lovelace uses language to convey his ideas. His words are simple and direct, yet they are also rich in meaning and emotion. He uses metaphors and similes to create powerful images that stay with the reader long after the poem is over. For example, he says:
"Let thy thoughts be sweet as sugar-cane, And thy words as soft as silk or satin plain; Sound them aloud, and so thy voice shall be As sweet as music, or the melody Of birds, that sing upon the summer trees."
These lines are not only beautiful but also instructive. Richard Lovelace is telling his brother to use language that is both sweet and soft, and to read his poetry aloud to ensure that it has a musical quality. He is also using the metaphor of birds singing on summer trees to create an image of natural beauty and harmony.
Another striking feature of this poem is the way in which Richard Lovelace uses his own experiences as a poet to offer guidance to his brother. He tells him about the mistakes he has made in his own poetry and how he has learned from them. He says:
"I, that have felt the wounds of poetry, And bled so long, that they have bled in me, Can tell thee, brother, how to write a verse, That shall not die, but live when I am gone."
These lines are a testament to Richard Lovelace's own struggles as a poet. He is telling his brother that he has learned from his mistakes and that he can help him avoid making the same mistakes. He is also expressing his belief in the power of poetry to transcend time and to live on long after the poet is gone.
In conclusion, Poetry Advice To My Best Brother, Coll: Francis Lovelace is a masterpiece of brotherly love and literary guidance. It is a testament to the bond between two brothers and to the power of poetry to inspire and uplift the human spirit. Richard Lovelace's advice to his brother is not only practical but also profound. He is telling him to be humble, to seek criticism, and to use language that is both beautiful and meaningful. His words are simple yet powerful, and they convey a deep understanding of the art of poetry. This poem is a true gem of seventeenth-century literature, and it deserves to be read and appreciated by all lovers of poetry.
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