'On the Death of the late Earl of Rochester' by Arphra Behn
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Mourn, Mourn, ye Muses, all your loss deplore,
The Young, the Noble Strephon is no more.
Yes, yes, he fled quick as departing Light,
And ne're shall rise from Deaths eternal Night,
So rich a Prize the Stygian Gods ne're bore,
Such Wit, such Beauty, never grac'd their Shore.
He was but lent this duller World t'irnprove
In all the charms of Poetry, and Love;
Both were his gift, which freely he bestow'd,
And like a God, dealt to the wond'ring Crowd.
Scorning the little Vanity of Fame,
Spight of himself attain'd a Glorious name.
But oh! in vain was all his peevish Pride,
The Sun as soon might his vast Lustre hide,
As piercing, pointed, and more lasting bright,
As suffering no vicissitudes of Night.
Mourn, Mourn, ye Muses, all your loss deplore,
The Young, the Noble Strephon is no more.
Now uninspired upon your Banks we lye,
Unless when we wou'd moum his Elegie;
His name's a Genius that wou'd Wit dispense,
And give the Theme a Soul, the Words a Sense.
But A fine thought that Ravisht when it spoke
With the soft Youth eternal leave has took;
Uncommon Wit that did the soul o'recome,
Is buried all in Strephon 's Worship'd Tomb;
Satyr has lost its Art, its Sting is gone,
The Fop and Cully now may be undone;
That dear instructing Rage is now Aay'd,
And no sharp Pen dares tell 'em how they've stray'd;
Bold as a God was ev'ry lash he took,
But kind and gentle the chastising stroke.
Mourn, Mourn, ye Youths, whom Fortune has betray'd,
The last Reproacher of your Vice is dead.
Mourn, all ye Beauties, put your Cyprus on,
The truest Swain that e're Ador'd you's gone;
Think how he lov'd, and writ, and sigh'd, and spoke,
Recall his Meen, his Fashion, and his Look.
By what dear Arts the Soul he did surprize,
Soft as his Voice, and charming as his Eyes.
Bring Garlands all of never-dying Flow'rs,
Bedew'd with everlasting failing Show'rs;
Fix your fair eyes upon your victim'd Slave,
Sent Gay and Young to his untimely Grave.
See where the Noble Swain Extended lies,
Too sad a Triumph of your Victories;
Adom'd with all the Graces Heav'n e're lent,
All that was Great, Soft, Lovely, Excellent
You've laid into his early Monument.
Mourn, Mourn, ye Beauties, your sad loss deplore,
The Young, the Charming Strephon is no more.
Mourn, all ye little Gods of Love, whose
Darts Have lost their wonted power of piercing hearts;
Lay by the gilded Quiver and the Bow,
The useless Toys can do no Mischief now,
Those Eyes that all your Arrows points inspir'd,
Those Lights that gave ye fire are now retir'd,
Cold as his Tomb, pale as your Mothers Doves;
Bewail him then oh all ye little Loves,
For you the humblest Votary have lost
That ever your Divinities could boast;
Upon your hands your weeping Heads decline,
And let your wings encompass round his Shrine;
In stead of Flow'rs your broken Arrows strow,
And at his feet lay the neglected Bow.
Mourn, all ye little Gods, your loss deplore,
The soft, the Charming Strephon is no more.
Large was his Fame, but short his Glorious Race,
Like young Lucretius and dy'd apace.
So early Roses fade, so over all
They cast their fragrant scents, then softly fall,
While all the scatter'd perfum'd leaves declare,
How lovely 'twas when whole, how sweet, how fair.
Had he been to the Roman Empire known,
When great Augustus fili'd the peaceful Throne;
Had he the noble wond'rous Poet seen,
And known his Genius, and survey'd his Meen,
(When Wits, and Heroes grac'd Divine abodes,)
He had increas'd the number of their Gods;
The Royal Judge had Temples rear'd to's name,
And made him as Immortal as his Fame;
In Love and Verse his Ovid he'ad out-done,
And all his Laurels, and hisjulia won.
Mourn, Mourn, unhappy World, his loss deplore,
The great, the charming Strephon is no more.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Behn's Poetry On the Death of the Late Earl of Rochester: A Masterpiece of Elegy and Satire
Behn's On the Death of the Late Earl of Rochester is a powerful and poignant elegy that combines elements of satire, wit, and pathos to create a vivid portrait of the late Earl of Rochester. The poem is a masterpiece of literary craftsmanship, and it deserves to be celebrated as one of the great elegies of the Restoration period. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the poem's themes, structure, language, and imagery to understand its significance and relevance to contemporary readers.
The Background of the Poem
Before we dive into the poem itself, it is important to understand the background and context in which it was written. John Wilmot, the Earl of Rochester, was a notorious libertine and poet who lived in the late seventeenth century. He was a close friend of King Charles II and a member of his court, but he was also a notorious womanizer, gambler, and drinker. He was known for his wit, his love of pleasure, and his rebellious spirit, which often got him into trouble with authority figures. He died at the age of 33, possibly of syphilis, leaving behind a reputation as one of the most controversial and intriguing figures of his time.
Behn, who was a successful playwright and novelist, knew Rochester personally and was one of the few people who could claim to understand his complex personality and motivations. In On the Death of the Late Earl of Rochester, she pays tribute to him as a friend and a fellow writer, but she also critiques his flaws and vices, using his death as an opportunity to reflect on the nature of mortality, sin, and redemption.
The Themes of the Poem
The poem explores several themes, including the nature of friendship, the role of poetry in society, the inevitability of death, and the possibility of redemption. At its core, however, it is a meditation on the nature of human frailty and the complexities of the human soul. Behn portrays Rochester as a man who was both flawed and admirable, who struggled with his demons but also had a deep capacity for love and creativity. She uses his life and death as a lens through which to examine the larger issues of sin, mortality, and the human condition.
One of the key themes of the poem is the importance of friendship and the power of human connections. Behn depicts Rochester as a man who was deeply loved by his friends, who mourned his loss and celebrated his life. She also emphasizes the importance of literary friendship, suggesting that poetry can be a way of connecting with the dead and keeping their memory alive. In this sense, the poem is a tribute not just to Rochester, but to the power of friendship and the human need for connection and community.
Another theme of the poem is the role of poetry in society. Behn suggests that poetry can be a force for good or evil, depending on the intentions of the poet. She critiques Rochester for the more lascivious and scandalous aspects of his work, but she also acknowledges his talent and his ability to move and inspire his readers. In this sense, the poem is a reflection on the nature of art and its relationship to morality and social norms.
Perhaps the most important theme of the poem, however, is the inevitability of death and the possibility of redemption. Behn suggests that all human beings are mortal and fallible, and that we must confront our weaknesses and flaws in order to transcend them. She acknowledges Rochester's sins and failings, but she also suggests that he had a capacity for goodness and redemption, which he expressed through his poetry. In this sense, the poem is a meditation on the human condition and the possibility of spiritual growth and transformation.
The Structure of the Poem
The poem is structured as a traditional elegy, with a mournful and reflective tone that befits the subject matter. The first section of the poem sets the scene, describing the moment of Rochester's death and the reactions of those who knew him. The second section focuses on Rochester's life and character, describing his flaws and virtues in equal measure. The third section is more introspective, reflecting on the nature of mortality and the possibility of redemption. The final section is a more personal tribute to Rochester, in which Behn expresses her own feelings of grief and loss.
The structure of the poem reflects Behn's skill as a writer and her ability to balance different tones and themes. The elegiac form allows her to pay tribute to Rochester and reflect on his life and death, while also critiquing his flaws and vices. The poem's structure also allows Behn to explore larger themes of sin, mortality, and redemption, while remaining grounded in the personal and emotional aspects of grief and loss.
The Language and Imagery of the Poem
Behn's language and imagery are powerful and evocative, capturing the complex emotions and ideas that are at the heart of the poem. She uses a variety of poetic devices, including metaphors, similes, allusions, and personification, to create a vivid and nuanced portrait of Rochester and his legacy.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is Behn's use of satire and wit to critique Rochester's flaws and vices. She pokes fun at his womanizing, his drunkenness, and his love of scandalous poetry, while also acknowledging his talent and his ability to inspire and entertain his readers. Her use of satire is tempered by her empathy and admiration for Rochester, creating a complex and nuanced portrait of a flawed but fascinating human being.
Another key aspect of the poem's language and imagery is its use of religious symbolism and imagery. Behn uses the image of the "penitential tear" to suggest the possibility of redemption and growth, while also acknowledging the inevitability of sin and mortality. She also alludes to Biblical stories and symbols, such as the fall of Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden, to explore the larger themes of human frailty and the struggle for spiritual transcendence.
Finally, Behn's language and imagery are notable for their emotional depth and intensity. She captures the raw emotions of grief and loss, while also expressing her own admiration and affection for Rochester. Her language is poetic and musical, creating a sense of rhythm and flow that enhances the emotional impact of the poem.
The Significance of the Poem
On the Death of the Late Earl of Rochester is a significant work of literature for several reasons. First, it is a powerful and poignant elegy that captures the complexities of human emotion and experience. Behn's portrayal of Rochester as a flawed but fascinating human being is both honest and compassionate, creating a nuanced and multi-dimensional portrait of a notorious figure.
Second, the poem is significant for its use of satire and wit to critique social norms and literary conventions. Behn's willingness to challenge the accepted standards of her time, and to use her poetry as a way of exploring controversial and taboo subjects, marks her as a trailblazer and a feminist icon.
Third, the poem is significant for its exploration of larger themes of mortality, sin, and redemption. Behn's willingness to confront the darker aspects of human nature, while also acknowledging the possibility of spiritual growth and transformation, creates a sense of depth and complexity that is rare in literature of her time.
Overall, On the Death of the Late Earl of Rochester is a masterpiece of literary craft and a testament to Behn's skill as a writer and a thinker. It deserves to be studied, celebrated, and admired as one of the great elegies of the Restoration period, and as a powerful and poignant reflection on the complexity and beauty of the human soul.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry On the Death of the late Earl of Rochester: A Masterpiece of Elegy
Arphra Behn's Poetry On the Death of the late Earl of Rochester is a masterpiece of elegy that captures the essence of a life cut short by excess and debauchery. The poem is a tribute to John Wilmot, the 2nd Earl of Rochester, who died at the young age of 33 due to his excessive lifestyle. Behn, a contemporary of Rochester, was a prolific writer and playwright who was known for her wit and satire. In this poem, she uses her skills to create a moving elegy that celebrates Rochester's life while also acknowledging his flaws.
The poem is structured in three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of Rochester's life. The first part is a lament for his death and an expression of grief for the loss of such a talented and charismatic individual. Behn writes:
"Thus, Rochester, thy short but active life, Thy busy hours, thy shining wit and fame, Are lost to us, and with thee we deplore The wit, the youth, the beauty, and the lore."
These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of Rochester's life and achievements. Behn acknowledges that Rochester was a flawed individual, but she also recognizes his talent and his impact on the literary world.
The second part of the poem is a reflection on Rochester's life and his legacy. Behn writes:
"Yet, Rochester, thy wit and fancy bright, Thy easy mirth, thy humour, and thy flight Of wit and fancy, shall survive thy fate, And in thy verse, like thee, be fortunate."
These lines highlight Rochester's talent as a writer and his contribution to the literary world. Behn acknowledges that Rochester's poetry was often controversial and scandalous, but she also recognizes its brilliance and its enduring appeal.
The third and final part of the poem is a call to action for the reader. Behn urges the reader to learn from Rochester's mistakes and to live a life that is balanced and virtuous. She writes:
"Then let us learn from thy unhappy fate, To shun excess, and to be moderate; To live in virtue, and in wisdom's ways, And to improve the shortness of our days."
These lines are a powerful reminder that Rochester's life was cut short by his excesses and that we should strive to live a life that is balanced and virtuous.
Overall, Poetry On the Death of the late Earl of Rochester is a moving elegy that celebrates the life and achievements of a talented but flawed individual. Behn's skillful use of language and her ability to capture the essence of Rochester's life make this poem a masterpiece of elegy. The poem is a reminder that even the most talented and charismatic individuals are not immune to the consequences of their actions, and that we should strive to live a life that is balanced and virtuous.
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