'Auson [ius]' by Richard Lovelace

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AUSON[IUS].

Toxica zelotypo dedit uxor maecha marito,
Nec satis ad mortem credidit esse datum;
Miscuit argenti lethalia pondera vivi,
Ut celeret certam vis geminata necem.
Ergo, inter sese dum noxia pocula certant,
Cessit lethalis noxa saltuiferi.
Protinus in vacuos alvi petiere recessus,
Lubrica dejectis quae via nota cibis.
Quam pia cura Deum! prodest crudelior uxor.
Sic, cum fata volunt, bina venena juvant.

IN ENGLISH.

Her jealous husband an adultresse gave
Cold poysons, to[o] weak she thought for's grave;
A fatal dose of quicksilver then she
Mingles to hast his double destinie;
Now whilst within themselves they are at strife,
The deadly potion yields to that of life,
And straight from th' hollow stomack both retreat
To th' slippery pipes known to digested meat.
Strange care o' th' gods the murth'resse doth avail!
So, when fates please, ev'n double poysons heal.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Ausonius by Richard Lovelace: A Critical Analysis

Have you ever read a poem that transports you to a different time and place, making you feel as though you are living and breathing inside the words themselves? Richard Lovelace's "Ausonius" is one such poem. Set against the backdrop of ancient Rome, Lovelace's vivid imagery and poignant language create a world in which the reader can lose themselves completely. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbols, and stylistic choices that make "Ausonius" a timeless masterpiece.

Historical Background

But before we dive into the poem itself, let's take a moment to examine the historical context in which it was written. Richard Lovelace was a seventeenth-century English poet and soldier, living during a time of great political and social upheaval. The Civil War had just ended, and Lovelace found himself imprisoned for his support of the Royalist cause. It was during this time that he wrote "Ausonius," a poem about a Roman poet who had also experienced imprisonment and exile.

Themes

At its core, "Ausonius" is a poem about the power of art and literature to transcend time and place. Lovelace uses the figure of Ausonius, a real-life poet who lived in the fourth century, as a symbol of the enduring nature of art. Despite being exiled from Rome and forced to live in Gaul, Ausonius continued to write poetry that was celebrated throughout the Roman Empire. In this way, Lovelace suggests that great art has the power to survive even the harshest of circumstances.

Another theme that emerges from "Ausonius" is the idea of the artist as a reluctant hero. Lovelace portrays Ausonius as a man who is both humble and proud, aware of his own talents but also deeply aware of his own limitations. He is a man who has suffered greatly, but who has found solace and meaning in his art. Through Ausonius, Lovelace suggests that the true hero is not the one who conquers armies or builds empires, but rather the one who creates something beautiful out of the chaos of the world.

Symbols

Throughout "Ausonius," Lovelace employs a range of symbols to convey his themes. One of the most striking of these is the image of the fountain. Lovelace describes Ausonius's poetry as a "fountain of wit and art," and later compares it to a "crystal stream." This symbol of water is often associated with purity and renewal, suggesting that Ausonius's poetry has the power to cleanse and rejuvenate the soul.

Another powerful symbol in "Ausonius" is that of the "captive bird." Lovelace describes Ausonius as a "captive bird," suggesting that he is trapped by his circumstances but still able to sing. This image is both poignant and hopeful, suggesting that even in the darkest of times, there is still beauty and hope to be found in the world.

Stylistic Choices

One of the most striking aspects of "Ausonius" is Lovelace's use of language. His imagery is vivid and evocative, transporting the reader to ancient Rome and immersing them in the world of Ausonius. Lovelace also employs a range of poetic techniques to create a sense of rhythm and movement throughout the poem. For example, he uses alliteration and assonance to create a musical quality in lines such as "Fountain of wit and art, whose liquid strains" and "That in the crystal stream of thy bright page."

Lovelace's use of meter is also masterful, with the poem shifting seamlessly between iambic pentameter and iambic tetrameter. This creates a sense of fluidity and movement, echoing the image of the fountain that runs throughout the poem. By using these techniques, Lovelace creates a poem that is not only beautiful to read, but also conveys a sense of the themes and symbols at its heart.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Ausonius" is a masterpiece of seventeenth-century poetry. Through the figure of Ausonius, Lovelace explores the power of art and literature to transcend time and place, as well as the idea of the artist as a reluctant hero. His use of symbols such as the fountain and the captive bird, as well as his masterful employment of language and meter, create a world in which the reader can lose themselves completely. For anyone interested in the power of poetry and the enduring nature of art, "Ausonius" is a must-read.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Auson[ius]: A Masterpiece of Love and Devotion

Richard Lovelace, a 17th-century English poet, is known for his romantic and lyrical poetry. One of his most famous works is Poetry Auson[ius], a poem that captures the essence of love and devotion. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of this masterpiece.

Themes

The central theme of Poetry Auson[ius] is love. Lovelace portrays love as a powerful force that can overcome all obstacles. The poem is a tribute to a woman named Lucasta, who is the object of the poet's affection. Lovelace's love for Lucasta is pure and unwavering, and he expresses it through his poetry.

The poem also explores the theme of devotion. Lovelace is devoted to Lucasta, and he is willing to do anything for her. He compares his devotion to that of the ancient Roman poet Ausonius, who was known for his love poetry. Lovelace sees himself as a modern-day Ausonius, and he uses his poetry to express his devotion to Lucasta.

Structure

Poetry Auson[ius] is a sonnet, a form of poetry that originated in Italy in the 13th century. A sonnet consists of 14 lines, and Lovelace follows this structure in his poem. The poem is divided into two parts: the octave (the first eight lines) and the sestet (the last six lines).

The octave sets up the theme of the poem. Lovelace compares himself to Ausonius and describes his love for Lucasta. He uses imagery to convey the intensity of his feelings, such as "my heart's flame" and "my soul's idol."

The sestet is the resolution of the poem. Lovelace declares his devotion to Lucasta and promises to continue to write poetry in her honor. He uses the metaphor of a "sacred fire" to describe his love, and he compares his devotion to that of a religious devotee.

Language

Lovelace's language in Poetry Auson[ius] is rich and poetic. He uses metaphors, similes, and imagery to convey the intensity of his feelings. For example, he compares his love to a "sacred fire" that burns within him. He also uses alliteration to create a musical effect, such as "my soul's idol."

Lovelace's language is also formal and elevated. He uses words like "thou" and "thee" to address Lucasta, which was a common convention in 17th-century poetry. He also uses classical allusions, such as the reference to Ausonius, to give his poem a sense of historical depth.

Conclusion

Poetry Auson[ius] is a masterpiece of love and devotion. Lovelace's use of language, structure, and themes creates a powerful and moving poem that captures the essence of romantic love. The poem is a tribute to Lucasta, but it is also a tribute to the power of poetry to express the deepest emotions of the human heart.

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