'A Sonnet' by Francis Beaumont


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Flattering Hope, away and leave me,
She'll not come, thou dost deceive me;
Hark the cock crows, th' envious light
Chides away the silent night;
Yet she comes not, oh ! how I tire
Betwixt cold fear and hot desire.

Here alone enforced to tarry
While the tedious minutes marry,
And get hours, those days and years,
Which I count with sighs and fears
Yet she comes not, oh! how I tire
Betwixt cold fear and hot desire.

Restless thoughts a while remove
Unto the bosom of my love,
Let her languish in my pain,
Fear and hope, and fear again;
Then let her tell me, in love's fire,
What torment's like unto desire?

Endless wishing, tedious longing,
Hopes and fears together thronging;
Rich in dreams, yet poor in waking,
Let her be in such a taking:
Then let her tell me in love's fire,
What torment's like unto desire?

Come then, Love, prevent day's eyeing,
My desire would fain be dying:
Smother me with breathless kisses,
Let me dream no more of blisses;
But tell me, which is in Love's fire
Best, to enjoy, or to desire?

Editor 1 Interpretation

Francis Beaumont’s “A Sonnet”: A Masterpiece of Metaphysical Poetry

When it comes to sonnets, William Shakespeare is often the first name that comes to mind. However, there are many other poets who have contributed to the genre, including Francis Beaumont. His sonnet, simply titled “A Sonnet,” is a stunning example of metaphysical poetry that deserves more attention.

The Structure of the Sonnet

Before delving into the poem itself, it’s important to note the structure of the sonnet. Like most sonnets, it consists of fourteen lines. However, instead of the typical rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, Beaumont uses a more complex rhyme scheme of ABBA ABBA CDCDCD. This rhyme scheme is known as the Petrarchan or Italian sonnet form, and it allows for more versatility in the poem’s structure.

The Language of Love

“A Sonnet” is a love poem, and Beaumont’s use of language is both beautiful and unconventional. He uses metaphors to describe his love, comparing it to a ship that has been wrecked and a bird that is trapped in a cage. These images convey the intensity of his emotions and the feeling of being trapped in love.

Beaumont’s use of language also adds a sense of urgency to the poem. He writes, “O let me not thus languish!” and “But let me die.” These phrases express the speaker’s desire for his love to be reciprocated and the pain he feels from being rejected. The use of exclamation points emphasizes the urgency and emotion in the speaker’s words.

The Metaphysical Element

One of the defining characteristics of metaphysical poetry is its use of complex metaphors and intellectual themes. Beaumont’s use of metaphors in “A Sonnet” is a prime example of this. The poem’s central metaphor is the comparison of love to a shipwreck.

The shipwreck metaphor is used throughout the poem, with the speaker describing himself as “shipwrecked” and his love as the “rock on which I split.” This metaphor not only conveys the intensity of the speaker’s emotions, but it also suggests the idea of fate or destiny. The shipwreck is a tragic event that is beyond the control of the ship or its crew, just as love is often seen as a force that is beyond our control.

The Role of Religion

Metaphysical poets often drew on religious themes and ideas in their work, and “A Sonnet” is no exception. The poem’s final lines read, “But let me die, and death shall be my good, / Since love is dead, and hath no power to move.” These lines suggest a sense of resignation and acceptance of fate, which is a common theme in religious literature.

The idea of death as a release from the pain of unrequited love is also linked to the Christian concept of redemption. The speaker is willing to die because he believes that death will bring him closer to God and to his loved one. This use of religious themes adds depth and complexity to the poem, and it highlights the speaker’s struggle to reconcile his earthly desires with his spiritual beliefs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Francis Beaumont’s “A Sonnet” is a masterpiece of metaphysical poetry. Its complex metaphors, unconventional structure, and use of religious themes make it a rich and thought-provoking work. Despite being overshadowed by other sonnets in the literary canon, “A Sonnet” deserves recognition as a powerful and enduring work of poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Francis Beaumont's "A Sonnet" is a classic piece of poetry that has stood the test of time. This sonnet is a beautiful and powerful expression of love, and it is a testament to the enduring power of poetry. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of this sonnet, and we will examine how these elements work together to create a powerful and moving piece of poetry.

The theme of love is central to this sonnet, and it is expressed in a number of different ways. The speaker of the poem is deeply in love with someone, and he expresses this love in a number of different ways. He speaks of the beauty of his beloved, and he describes her in terms of her physical appearance. He also speaks of the emotional connection that he feels with her, and he describes this connection in terms of the way that he feels when he is with her.

The structure of this sonnet is also important to its meaning. The sonnet is written in the traditional form of a sonnet, with fourteen lines and a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. This structure is important because it creates a sense of order and symmetry in the poem. The rhyme scheme also helps to create a sense of unity and coherence in the poem, as each line is connected to the others through the use of rhyme.

The language of this sonnet is also important to its meaning. The language is simple and direct, and it is filled with powerful imagery and metaphors. For example, the speaker describes his beloved as a "rose" and a "lily," which are both symbols of beauty and purity. He also speaks of his love as a "flame" that burns within him, which is a powerful metaphor for the intensity of his emotions.

One of the most powerful aspects of this sonnet is the way that it captures the intensity of the speaker's emotions. The speaker is deeply in love with his beloved, and he expresses this love in a number of different ways. He speaks of the beauty of his beloved, and he describes her in terms of her physical appearance. He also speaks of the emotional connection that he feels with her, and he describes this connection in terms of the way that he feels when he is with her.

Another important aspect of this sonnet is the way that it captures the beauty of love. The speaker describes his beloved in terms of her physical beauty, but he also speaks of the emotional connection that he feels with her. This emotional connection is described in terms of the way that he feels when he is with her, and it is a powerful expression of the beauty of love.

Overall, Francis Beaumont's "A Sonnet" is a beautiful and powerful expression of love. The themes, structure, and language of this sonnet work together to create a powerful and moving piece of poetry. This sonnet is a testament to the enduring power of poetry, and it is a reminder of the beauty and intensity of love.

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