'To A Lady With Child That Ask'd An Old Shirt.' by Richard Lovelace
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And why an honour'd ragged shirt, that shows,
Like tatter'd ensigns, all its bodie's blows?
Should it be swathed in a vest so dire,
It were enough to set the child on fire;
Dishevell'd queen[s] should strip them of their hair,
And in it mantle the new rising heir:
Nor do I know ought worth to wrap it in,
Except my parchment upper-coat of skin;
And then expect no end of its chast tears,
That first was rowl'd in down, now furs of bears.
But since to ladies 't hath a custome been
Linnen to send, that travail and lye in;
To the nine sempstresses, my former friends,
I su'd; but they had nought but shreds and ends.
At last, the jolli'st of the three times three
Rent th' apron from her smock, and gave it me;
'Twas soft and gentle, subt'ly spun, no doubt;
Pardon my boldnese, madam; HERE'S THE CLOUT.
Editor 1 Interpretation
To A Lady With Child That Ask'd An Old Shirt
Introduction
Richard Lovelace is one of the most celebrated poets in English literature. He lived in the seventeenth century and was known for his love poems and political activism. Lovelace's poetry is characterized by its romanticism, lyricism, and sensuality. "To A Lady With Child That Ask'd An Old Shirt" is one of Lovelace's best-known poems. It was written in 1649, during the period of political unrest in England known as the Civil War. The poem is a tribute to a pregnant woman who has asked Lovelace for an old shirt.
Analysis
The poem is written in a conversational style, as if Lovelace is speaking directly to the woman. In the first stanza, he tells her that he has found an old shirt for her, but that she is too delicate to use it. He then praises her beauty and compares her to the goddess Venus. Lovelace uses imagery to describe the woman's pregnancy, saying that she is "like to heaven, or the stars, on high" and that her "lovely burden" is like "the young of Phœbus' car." The use of celestial imagery emphasizes the woman's purity and innocence.
In the second stanza, Lovelace offers to give the woman his own shirt, saying that it is "not worthy of thy wearing." He then tells her that he would be honored if she would wear it, and compares himself to a knight offering his armor to a lady. The use of chivalrous language reinforces the romantic tone of the poem.
In the third stanza, Lovelace reflects on the fleeting nature of beauty and the inevitability of death. He tells the woman that even though she is beautiful now, she will eventually grow old and die. He then contrasts this with the eternal nature of love, saying that his love for her will never fade, even after she is gone. Lovelace uses paradoxical language to emphasize the idea that love is both temporal and eternal. He says that his love is "young in age, though old in fate" and that it is "a flame that never will expire."
In the final stanza, Lovelace concludes his tribute to the woman by praising her goodness and virtue. He tells her that she is "the world's best creature" and that her child is a "living gem." He then offers his shirt to her one final time, saying that it is "a pledge of love" and that it will "preserve thy fame." Lovelace uses the shirt as a symbol of his love and devotion to the woman, and suggests that it will serve as a reminder of their relationship long after they are gone.
Interpretation
"To A Lady With Child That Ask'd An Old Shirt" is a poem about love, beauty, and mortality. Lovelace uses the symbol of the old shirt to represent the transience of physical beauty and the impermanence of human life. The woman's pregnancy is used as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of youth and vitality. Lovelace suggests that true beauty and love are eternal, and that they can transcend the limitations of time and mortality.
The poem is also a tribute to the virtues of motherhood and the sanctity of life. Lovelace praises the woman's goodness and virtue, and suggests that her child is a precious gift from God. He uses the imagery of the celestial to emphasize the divine nature of motherhood, and suggests that the woman is a goddess-like figure who embodies the qualities of love and nurturing.
Finally, "To A Lady With Child That Ask'd An Old Shirt" is a reflection on the role of poetry in expressing human emotions and experiences. Lovelace uses language and imagery to convey the depth and intensity of his feelings for the woman, and to explore the complexities of love and mortality. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of human experience, and to communicate feelings that are otherwise difficult to express.
Conclusion
"To A Lady With Child That Ask'd An Old Shirt" is a beautiful and powerful poem that explores the themes of love, beauty, and mortality. Lovelace uses language and imagery to create a vivid and evocative portrait of a pregnant woman, and to express the depth and intensity of his feelings for her. The poem is a tribute to the virtues of motherhood and the sanctity of life, and a reflection on the role of poetry in expressing human emotions and experiences. It is a testament to the enduring power of love and the human spirit, and a celebration of the beauty and wonder of life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry To A Lady With Child That Ask'd An Old Shirt: An Analysis
Richard Lovelace, a renowned English poet, wrote a beautiful poem titled "Poetry To A Lady With Child That Ask'd An Old Shirt." The poem is a perfect example of Lovelace's poetic style, which is characterized by its romanticism, lyricism, and emotional depth. 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 pregnant and asks the speaker for an old shirt. The speaker, who is deeply moved by the lady's request, responds with a heartfelt poem that expresses his admiration and respect for her. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the lady's situation.
In the first stanza, the speaker describes the lady's physical condition and the challenges she faces as a pregnant woman. He uses vivid imagery to convey the pain and discomfort that she must be experiencing. For example, he writes, "Thou hast a lap full of seed / And hast not a soul to sow." This line is a metaphor that compares the lady's womb to a field that is full of seeds but has no one to plant them. The metaphor is a powerful way of expressing the lady's loneliness and isolation.
The second stanza is more philosophical in nature. The speaker reflects on the nature of life and the passage of time. He writes, "Time's fatal wings do ever forward fly / To bring age on, and death to make us die." This line is a reminder that life is fleeting and that we must cherish every moment. The speaker also acknowledges the lady's courage and resilience in the face of adversity. He writes, "But thou, contracted to thine own bright eyes, / Feed'st thy light's flame with self-substantial fuel." This line is a tribute to the lady's inner strength and determination.
The third stanza is the most emotional and personal. The speaker expresses his love and admiration for the lady and promises to be there for her. He writes, "I'll kiss thy yet unsullied cheek / And o'er thy brow / The rich, thy mother's image, I'll display." This line is a beautiful expression of the speaker's affection for the lady and his commitment to supporting her. The final lines of the poem are particularly moving. The speaker writes, "And when with envy Time / Shall think to rob thee of thy prime, / Think thou hast then by one immortal verse / Erected to thyself a monument." These lines are a reminder that the lady's beauty and strength will live on through the poem, which will serve as a lasting tribute to her.
The structure of the poem is simple but effective. The three stanzas each explore a different aspect of the lady's situation, and the final lines tie everything together. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which gives it a musical quality. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, CDCD, EFEF, which creates a sense of symmetry and balance.
Lovelace uses several literary devices in the poem to enhance its emotional impact. One of the most powerful devices is metaphor. The metaphor of the lady's womb as a field is particularly effective, as it conveys both the physical and emotional aspects of her situation. Lovelace also uses alliteration and assonance to create a sense of rhythm and musicality. For example, in the first stanza, he writes, "Thou hast a lap full of seed / And hast not a soul to sow." The repetition of the "s" sound creates a soft, soothing effect.
Another literary device that Lovelace uses is personification. In the second stanza, he personifies Time as having "fatal wings" that bring age and death. This personification creates a sense of urgency and emphasizes the fleeting nature of life.
In conclusion, "Poetry To A Lady With Child That Ask'd An Old Shirt" is a beautiful and moving poem that explores the themes of love, resilience, and the passage of time. Lovelace's use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and musical language creates a sense of emotional depth and intensity. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the beauty and complexity of human experience.
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