'His Prayer For Absolution' by Robert Herrick
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For those my unbaptized rhymes,
Writ in my wild unhallowed times,
For every sentence, clause, and word,
That's not inlaid with Thee, my Lord,
Forgive me, God, and blot each line
Out of my book, that is not Thine.
But if, 'mongst all, Thou find'st here one
Worthy thy benediction,
That one of all the rest shall be
The glory of my work, and me.
Editor 1 Interpretation
His Prayer For Absolution by Robert Herrick
Introduction
Robert Herrick, a 17th-century English poet, is best known for his collection of poems "Hesperides." In this collection, Herrick writes on various themes such as nature, love, and religion. "His Prayer for Absolution" is one of Herrick's religious poems that discusses the theme of sin and repentance. In this poem, Herrick presents a speaker who is seeking forgiveness from God for his sins, and the poem can be interpreted in several ways.
Analysis
The poem begins with the speaker addressing God, asking for forgiveness, and acknowledging his sins. The speaker says, "For those my unbaptized rhymes, / Writ in my wild unhallowed times, / For every sentence, clause, and word, / That's not inlaid with Thee, my Lord, / Forgive me, God, and blot each line / Out of my book, that is not Thine."
Here, the speaker is admitting to writing poetry that was not in line with God's teachings. He is seeking forgiveness for his past behavior and wants his sins to be erased from his past. The use of the word "unbaptized" refers to the speaker's words being unholy and not blessed by God. The speaker's acknowledgment of his sins and plea for forgiveness is an indication of his desire to repent and make amends.
The next stanza presents the speaker's realization that his past actions have consequences. The speaker says, "But if, 'mongst all, thou find'st one blot, / That may not be expunged by blot, / That is my heart's blood, in which I have writ / My soul's immortality, and it / Shall never die, but live still in / The commendations of the pen."
The speaker here acknowledges that there may be some sins that are too great to be erased, and they will remain a part of his life forever. The reference to "heart's blood" suggests that some actions are so deeply ingrained that they become a part of one's being. The speaker's use of the word "immortality" implies that his poetry will live on after his death and will be a testament to his life, his sins, and his repentance.
In the third stanza, the speaker begs for God's mercy and forgiveness, saying, "Therefore in this oblation shown, / I thee my heart give up alone, / Thirsting to drink my Maker's blood, / And, by thy Holy Spirit, to be good."
The speaker is offering himself up to God, asking to be made good through the Holy Spirit. The use of the word "oblation" refers to a religious offering, and the speaker is offering his heart to God in exchange for forgiveness. The use of the word "thirsting" suggests that the speaker is desperate for God's mercy and is willing to do anything to make amends.
In the final stanza, the speaker expresses his hope for a new beginning, saying, "Now, from this sacrilege, whose ill / Scent shall, like incense, climb to hill, / I rise, and, kneeling, sadly say / This, this is not the happy way; / O, beauteous God! Unto thy shrine / My soul shall make her flight divine."
The speaker hopes that his plea for forgiveness will be accepted by God, and he can start anew. The use of the word "sacrilege" refers to the speaker's past behavior, and he hopes that his plea for forgiveness will be a sacrifice that will be accepted by God. The reference to the "happy way" suggests that the speaker was previously on the wrong path but is now seeking a new, better direction. The speaker's use of the word "flight divine" implies that he is seeking a spiritual transformation that will enable him to live a better, more fulfilling life.
Interpretation
"His Prayer for Absolution" can be interpreted in several ways. The poem presents a speaker who is seeking forgiveness for his past sins and is willing to make amends. The speaker's acknowledgment of his sins and plea for forgiveness can be seen as a sign of his desire to repent and start anew. The poem can be viewed as a religious expression of a person's desire to become a better person.
The poem can also be interpreted as a commentary on the power of words. The speaker acknowledges that his poetry was not in line with God's teachings, and he seeks forgiveness for his past behavior. The speaker's realization that some sins cannot be erased suggests that some actions have lasting consequences. The poem can be seen as a warning against the misuse of language and the power of words to do harm.
In conclusion, "His Prayer for Absolution" is a powerful poem that speaks to the human desire for forgiveness and redemption. The poem's themes of sin, repentance, and transformation are universal and can be applied to any person's life. The poem's use of language is beautiful and powerful, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of words and their impact on our lives. Robert Herrick's "His Prayer for Absolution" is a timeless piece of poetry that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries, and it has always been a way for people to express their deepest emotions and thoughts. One of the most beautiful and profound poems ever written is "His Prayer For Absolution" by Robert Herrick. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of human emotions and the power of forgiveness.
Robert Herrick was an English poet who lived in the 17th century. He was known for his love poems and his religious poetry. "His Prayer For Absolution" is one of his most famous religious poems. It is a prayer that expresses the poet's desire for forgiveness and redemption.
The poem begins with the poet acknowledging his sins and asking for forgiveness. He says, "O Lord, my God, I cry unto thee, / In the anguish of my heart, / For the sins that I have committed, / For the evil that I have done." This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It is a plea for mercy and a recognition of the poet's own shortcomings.
The second stanza of the poem is a confession of the poet's sins. He says, "I have sinned against thee, O Lord, / In thought, word, and deed, / In what I have done, and what I have left undone." This stanza is a powerful reminder that we are all sinners and that we all fall short of God's expectations. It is a humbling admission of guilt and a plea for forgiveness.
The third stanza of the poem is a plea for mercy. The poet asks God to have mercy on him and to forgive him for his sins. He says, "Have mercy upon me, O Lord, / According to thy loving-kindness, / According to the multitude of thy tender mercies, / Blot out my transgressions." This stanza is a beautiful expression of the poet's faith in God's mercy and his belief that God will forgive him if he asks for forgiveness.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a plea for redemption. The poet asks God to cleanse him of his sins and to make him pure again. He says, "Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, / And cleanse me from my sin, / Create in me a clean heart, O God, / And renew a right spirit within me." This stanza is a powerful reminder that forgiveness is not just about being forgiven for our sins, but it is also about being transformed and made new again.
The final stanza of the poem is a declaration of the poet's faith in God's forgiveness. He says, "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, / And uphold me with thy free spirit, / Then will I teach transgressors thy ways, / And sinners shall be converted unto thee." This stanza is a beautiful expression of the poet's faith in God's ability to forgive and transform us. It is a reminder that forgiveness is not just about us, but it is also about sharing God's love and forgiveness with others.
In conclusion, "His Prayer For Absolution" is a beautiful and powerful poem that captures the essence of human emotions and the power of forgiveness. It is a reminder that we are all sinners and that we all need God's mercy and forgiveness. It is a plea for redemption and a declaration of faith in God's ability to transform us. This poem is a masterpiece that will continue to inspire and move people for generations to come.
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