Notes MA English Part 1,Surray and Wyatt

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Henry Howard

(Earl of Surrey)

(1517-15�7)

(1)

Complaint of a Lover Rebuked

Critical Appreciation

“Complaint of a Lover Rebuked” is romantic, love, pathetic and worth praising sonnet by surrey. He was famous for giving sonnet its purely English form. This sonnet is an adoption of Petrarch’s 140th sonnet dealing with the highly emotional and sentimental passion; love. It is the complaint of a lover who is rebuked. In fact, the sincere lover of this poem is helpless before his love as he is rebuked by his beloved. The love that struggled to win the favours of his beloved is now living a miserable life of captivity in the lover’s heart. But being a faithful servant, he declared not to leave his master. He would die for love as it is a pleasure to do so in love and loyalty.

In the very start of the poem, the poet (lover) describes power of love and its influence on its victim. He calls love as a ruler of his heart’s kingdom. So he is unable to disobey his ruler, love, who is seated at the throne of his heart. Thus it is controlling the whole territory of his mind and heart. Moreover, being the supreme ruler, love mocks at his failure by showing his victorious banner. However, it is ironic that the person, who taught him to love and to bear pain in it, has now left him at the time of crises. The beloved has proved shamefaced and obstinate enough as not to bother even now about the poor lover.

Now, the love, after being defeated, has concealed itself in the heart of lover because the beloved has changed her smiling grace and beauty into anger. But, as the poet is not a coward, so he is not going to change his stand point and is ready to die for his love. Love is his master and he is not ready to disobey him. In short, it is natural outburst of emotions of the poet on not having a positive response from his beloved.

Surrey is superb craftsman. He has successfully shown emotional suffering of the lover. He has personified love as knight defeated in war, who is leading a life of captivity in the lover’s heart. The lover is given the role of a determined slave who is ready to share his master’s fate. Though, the beloved is at fault yet the poet is ready to sacrifice his life in love, because such a death is noble and desired.

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Wyatt has also tried his hand on the same sonnet but Surrey lacks in emotional intensity. Though, he is technically superior to Wyatt. He conveys the sense in a simple and straight forward manner. Alternate rhyming with a couplet at the end, and choice of words, is a remarkable handling of the language.

To conclude, we may say that the diction used by the poet is simple, straightforward and appropriate to the theme of the poem. In short, the nature, theme, concept and the treatment of the sonnet is really superb acting a magical effect on the reader.

Explanation with reference to the Context

Love that doth………banner rest.

(Lines 1-4)

Reference:

These lines have been taken from the sonnet “Love that doth reign and live within my thought” by “Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey.”

Context:

The poet explains his standpoint in the field of love in this beautiful sonnet. He had been constantly and steadfastly in love with his beloved. Love has won a total victory over him. It has fixed his flag on his face to show his full occupation of his heart and mind. But, then the beloved has not been true to him and has rebuked him. So the poor love has hidden itself in the heart of the poet, there to live and there to die.

Explanation:

The poet says in these lines that love of the sweetheart has always been living in his thoughts. He had always been living in his thoughts. He had always been busy in loving her from the core of his heart. So love has won a victory over his thoughts as well as body. It has captivated his breast. It possessed his heart as well as his face by putting a flag there to show his full occupation of the poet. This is the same thing done by old kings to show their ownership or victory over a castle or fort or palace.

For my lord’s………end by love.

(Lines 12-14)

Explanation:

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In these lines, the poet says that love has been his only lord and master in all respects. He is a slave of love, so he is going to suffer for the sins or guilt of his master. Still he is faithful and steadfast in his love and is not going to leave it. He is not going to change his stand point. He will not remove even one foot back in the service of his lord, i.e. love. He is even ready to sacrifice his life for the sake of love because a death that comes in the way of love is a sweet and noble death.

(2)

Prisoned in Windsor


“Prisoned in Windsor” is an ironical, pathetic, heart rendering (د��) and above all sentimental poem by Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey. It is believed that Surrey passed his boyhood in Windsor Castle in the company of Henry Fritzoy, who was engaged to Surrey’s sister Marry. But, he died before reaching the age of marriage. Both the Prince and Surrey lived together for sometime in the Windsor Castle and had a pretty free hand in matters of games and love. But, after the death of the Prince, surrey was imprisoned in the same castle on the charges of treason (ار�) or disloyalty to the king. Here in this poem the poet is remembering those happy days that he spent here in the same place where he is imprisoned now. Hence, the poem is a fine blend of contradictory passions, like pleasure and pain, life and death, mobility and stagnation, love and hatred.

The poem starts with a sad note of unexpected imprisonment on the same place where he once enjoyed the liveliest moments of his life in the company of Prince Henry Fritzoy. In their boyhood, they remained busy in different enjoyable activities such as to enjoy the company of beautiful ladies, to ride on their horses in search of pleasure, dance with ladies in the stately large ball-rooms, to plead for each other’s right instead of becoming rivals in love. They used to hunt wild frightened dear on their horses with barking dogs and then loud voices of merry while hunting. In this way they used to spend their days and nights. But alas! All these happy moments of past now bring pain and tears for the poet.

The poet badly remembers his dead companions with whom he spent the happiest moments of his life. In fact, the poet finds it to be his chief relief to reduce the pains of imprisonment by remembering his golden past.

The poem highlights that how fate rules over man’s fate. The poet is imprisoned in the same castle where once he lived the happiest time of his life. He asks the castle to give him same old pleasures and feasts. Actually, he wants to say that life is most uncertain and nobody

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knows what is going to happen at the different stages of life. His sufferings are multidimensional; it is physical, moral, spiritual and psychological.

To sum up, the poem is full of nostalgic ( �� د �� ر ) colours. The long list of images gives us the glimpses of enjoyed pleasures of the poet’s boyhood. Then the details of his pains while imprisoned are also pathetic. However, the poem is a good specimen of meter ( ��ں ��ں �� ہ�� ا � و ) rhyme, music and rhythm. The rhyme pattern is abab (alternate rhyming) with a couplet at the end. The rhymes are mellow (م��،��#�). The imagery is realistic. The meaning is clear and the passion is well-tampered. In short, the poem is a nice example of spontaneous outburst of powerful feelings of grief, sorrow and pains.


So cruel prison………. sons of Troy.

(Lines 1-4)

Reference:

These lines have been taken from the poem “Prisoned in Windsor” written by Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey.

Context:

This is a nostalgic poem in which the poet is comparing his past beautiful and happy life with the present tragic life. He is he used to live in Windsor Castle with Prince Henry Fitzroy. Both of them enjoyed princely games, feasts, courting ( (��ت �� )�رت &ے �$ ) and all other many happy pastimes. But the prince has died and the poet has been imprisoned in the same castle by the King. So naturally he is remembering all those happy moments and is feeling very sad.

Explanation:

The poet is imprisoned in the Windsor Castle. It the same castle where he used to enjoy a sweet life in the company of Prince Henry Fitzroy, who was engaged with the poet’s sister. The poet asks in despair, how it could happen that he is lying imprisoned in the same Windsor Castle where he once used to live in the happy company of prince. Both of them used to enjoy life of great pleasure. They had greater feasts than Priam’s son of Troy.

The stately seats…….other’s right.

(Lines 9-12)

Explanation:

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The poet remembers the old past happy days passed by him in the company of the Prince Henry Fitzroy in Windsor Castle. They used to enjoy life in the best possible way. They would enjoy the beautiful company of ladies wearing brightly coloured clothes. They would enjoy dance parties in the castle. They would plead for each other’s rights in such a powerful manner that even tigers would feel regret not to be able to roar in that loud, powerful and magnificent manner.

The wild forest……heart a force.

(Lines 29-32)

Explanation:

The poet remembers the old past happy days passed by him in the company of the Prince Henry Fitzroy in Windsor Castle. Both of them used to ride on the back of their horses in search of pleasure. They went on hunting tour, crying loudly and joyfully. They horses would be foaming with perspiration while following a deer or stag. The cries of hunting dogs would also be there and the whole scene would be full of noise and life.

And this………pleasant renew.

Lines (41-44)

Explanation:

The poet after remembering those happy days which he spent in the company of the Prince Henry Fitzroy now feel sad and dejected. Now the memory of those happy days is giving pain to him. Tears begin to fall from his eyes and his face loses its natural colour. He feels great sorrow on his miserable condition and requests to the walls of Castle for those old happy and blessed days which he spent in the company of his friends.

And with remembrance….....chief relief.

Lines (53-54)

Explanation:

These are the last lines of the poem. This is the concluding couplet that tells us about the utter grief of the poet at the sad comparison between the present pains with the past pleasure. After all, he has to be contented with whatever he has been left with of his past. All these past memories make him really sad. Anyhow, he finds it to be his only chief relief to forget his present painful time for a while. He feels comfort for sometime while remembering those happy days of his life when he was free of all the worries of life.

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3-On Wyatt’s Death

Critical analysis

This poem is actually a tribute to Thomas Wyatt from Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey. He was guide, friend and in a way predecessor of him. Wyatt was famous in his people for his diplomatic work and his innovations in the English poetry. The poet mentions the great qualities of Thomas Wyatt in this poem. Wyatt introduced sonnet by taking inspiration from Petrarch’s style and this style was followed by Shakespeare. The poet feels sad at the tragic death of Wyatt and feels that he did not receive deserved attention and honor of the people.

In fact, this poem is an elegy (ہ+��،,�-�� ). Like any other elegy, the poem enumerates the nice qualities of the head and heart which nature had endowed the deceased poet. Surrey has expressed his feelings of loss at the death of such a great personality.

Wyatt worked for the benefit of the state as well as of the young men of his time. The poet has described artistically different qualities of Wyatt. According to him, he had a wisdom which unfolds (�.��/�) new mysteries. His face had both qualities of severity and softness. He had tongue that served his own King even in other countries. He had a noble heart and courteous (&0ہ�1) way of speaking that made others to respond to his goodness with their own goodness. He had a pure eye that cannot be deceived or cheated. He had such a heart that was brave, unafraid and that could bear and tolerate any hindrance in the way of truth. He wrote poetry that excelled Chaucer’s in glory of wit and set a standard that others might approach but never attain. In short, the poet very sympathetically presents a graphic picture of his well known predecessor.

The poem basically is an epitaph (ہ�ا �د ��ں �2/�دے ہ�ے 341 �� ) to Thomas Wyatt. It is glowing tribute that makes an impressive pen picture of Wyatt’s tremendous qualities. Surrey has lamented in this grand and fluent elegy on the death of such a valuable person that in fact was equal to losing a precious jewel. Its language is touchy, soft, worth praising and full of passions. Like a good elegy the poem enumerates one quality after the other of the deceased poet.

To conclude, it can be said that the poem shows the greatness of Surrey’s art. The poem is an expressive pen picture of Wyatt in eight aptly worded quatrains (stanzas of four different alternatively rhyming lines). Each quatrain highlights different aspect of the great poet’s personality. In short, it is really an impressive and thought provoking poem by a great literary giant, Henry Howard.


Wyatt resteth here……..could obtain.

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(Lines 1-4)

Reference:

These lines have been taken from “On Wyatt’s Death” written by Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey.

Context:

In this poem the poet mourns the tragic death of Thomas Wyatt. He was his predecessor in the field of poetry. In this poem, he highlights Wyatt’s fine qualities of head and heart. Wyatt was a nice fellow who worked for the benefit of the state as well as of the young men of his times. He also worked for the betterment of poetry. The poet feels sad at the tragic death of Wyatt and feels that he did not receive the attention and honour of the people which he deserved.

Explanation:

These are the starting lines of the poem. The poet takes the reader to the grave of his worthy predecessor, Thomas Wyatt, and tells us about his different qualities. He says that he is resting there and he was such person who never knew what rest is. Throughout his life he remained busy in different kinds of works and did not take rest. He went to king’s court and also on foreign diplomatic missions also. He wrote poetry and worked energetically for the betterment of young men around him. His was like mercury, which never stays in one place and is always on the move. If somebody had feelings of contempt for him, he was not angry with him; rather he tried to make himself better. Virtue has a deep place in his heart and he worked for the welfare of the people in all conditions. These lines actually give a graphic picture of Thomas Wyatt and show us what a sort of person he was.

A hand that………shall hit.

(Lines 13-16)

Explanation:

In these lines the poet tells us about the works done by Thomas Wyatt for the betterment of English poetry. Wyatt brought poetry out of fakeness (وٹ�. ) and hypocrisy and endowed it with real and genuine feelings and emotions. He taught the way to write genuine poetry. He polished Italian sonnet and left it bright and shining. It was then later on taken it by Shakespeare who used it with great craftsmanship. Wyatt polished the wit of Chaucer to such an extent that was un-accessible for the future generations. He took and raised it to such a high and sublime standard that was hardly to be surpassed in the coming years. In short, these

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lines show us the great service of the great poet for the English poetry. He was a man who gave a new outlook to English sonnet writing.

A heart where……..into mischance.

(Lines 25-28)

Explanation:

In these lines, the poet highlights some great qualities of Thomas Wyatt, in tribute of whom he wrote this poem. He says that he was a man who loved truth. He possessed a free and forceful heart that was never afraid of speaking truth even in adverse circumstances. He went on and on truthfully in life. He made a principle of his life to speak truth in every circumstances and he never gave up his it in his whole life. He never gave any importance to wealth and fortune. He could never bow or surrender before bad luck or misfortune. He was a steadfast and upright (�ه�&) fellow who never adopted any foul mean to get any benefit thorough out his life. In short, these lines give some personal qualities of the great poet of past.

But to the……..received so.

(Lines 33-36)

Explanation:

In these lines, the poet sadly says that after the death of Wyatt his noble soul has flown away to heaven. He was a great lover of God and Christ. He left such an example of this love that others could only desire and envoy of it. He was a man who had qualities and nature which could make our society a better place to live. He worked for our benefit but we never gave him any credit or recognition for his services. We did not receive him with warm heart and open arms though he deserved it. The poet says that actually we were not aware of the abilities of this great man otherwise we definitely would have given him due respect and honour. In short, in these lines the poet laments that the people not had recognized Wyatt’s greatness and not had given him what he deserved.

Thus for our……..his ghost.

(Lines 37-38)

Explanation:

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These are concluding lines of the poem. In these lines, poet tells us about the death of Wyatt in memory of whom he wrote this poem. He feels sad at his death. He also feels guilty on the part of his nation for not appreciating the virtues, values and services of Wyatt. He is sad that the jewel they had got in the form of Wyatt has been lost by them. The nature had taken its precious gift back, due to their non-appreciation. Now that great fellow has died. His body, his bones are buried down in the earth while his soul has gone to the heaven to take a long rest. In short, in these lines the poet laments that the people not had recognized Wyatt’s greatness and not had given him what he deserved.

4-The Means to Attain a Happy Life


“The means to attain a happy life” is a worth praising and thought provoking poem written by the great poet of past, Henry Howard, the Earl of Surrey. He was famous for introducing blank verse for the first time in English poetry. This is a short poem that tells the reader about the means to attain a calm and happy life. He tells that how a content and silent life can be achieved in this world. In this poem, the poet has wisely and precisely ( 8�/2: ٹ�� .explained the golden rules of a peaceful life (>�ر ;�

The poet calls the readers his friend and then goes on to tell them about the things that are basis of a true happy life. The poet tells us his own findings of leading a happy life. The first rule he gives is to avoid all such wealth which is not earned by hard labour. Only then one can pave a way for leading a happy life. A quiet and peaceful mind is the real base for passing a contented life. He should have friend of equal status who never has a grudge for him and never quarrel with him. For him to live a peaceful life a person must enjoy good health and must have the company of family with kids.

He further says that if a person who wishes to pass a peaceful life should avoid delicious and dainty ( �ش ذا��ہ= ) dishes. He should not drink wine at all because it makes a human mind abnormal. He should enjoy a sound sleep in night and put all his wordily activities for day time. He further relates that a faithful wife can prove the best friend and companion for him. Such a person never wishes for death due to adverse or negative circumstances. He even not fears of death as he leads an innocent and sinless life.

To conclude it can be said, the language of this poem is impressive, informative, well explained and effective. In a simple language, the poet describes some certain conditions fulfillment of which ensures a happy and joyful life. Actually, these secrets of happy life are his personal experiences. In short, the poet has beautifully given the golden principles to live a successful and happy life.

Explanation with Reference to Context

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My friend, the things…..quite mind.

(Lines 1-4)

Reference:

These lines have been taken from the poem “The means to attain a happy life” written by Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey.

Context:

In this poem, the poet tells his readers about the secrets of leading a happy life. He says it is not much difficult to pass such a life. One can pass such a life by adopting certain habits in life. He should not love easy money and should not posses prejudice and desire to rule over others. He should not love tasty dishes and should try to be as simple as possible. One should shun away all worldly cares and worries and not indulge in drinking. One should enjoy calm and peaceful sleep in night and leave away all problems and disturbances whatsoever. Only then he can live a happy life.

Explanation:

These are the beginning lines of the poem. Here he tells a friend and through him all the readers at large, the secrets of spending a happy life. It is dream of every person to live a happy life. The poet in this poem gives his personal experience to live a happy life. He tells us that he comes to the conclusion about the rules of leading a happing life through his long personal experiences. The first of these rules is to leave away the easy-money and all such wealth which is not “hard earned.” One then can pave the way and can prepare the ground for leading a happy life. He says that a calm and peaceful mind is the real base for passing a happy and contented life. In short, in these opening lines the poet gives some certain rules by adopting which we can live calm, peaceful and a happy life. The language used by the poet is very simple and is in simple conversational style. The suggestions given by are quite understandable.

The mean diet……..not oppress.

(Lines 9-12)

Explanation:

In this poem the poet share some of his personal experiences to live a happy and contented life. Here in these lines he gives some of the rules to lead a peaceful life. He says that a person who wants to live such a kind of life should avoid tasty dishes and should try to have simple meals. He should try to live simple life in all respects. His nights should not pass in

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drinking and hustle-and-bustle. On the other, he should have a peaceful sleep at night. He should leave away all thoughts and go to sleep. He should leave away all thoughts and go to sleep at night as nature has made night for sleeping and taking rest and day for daily activities. So a man should not indulge in drinking and other sinful pursuits at night. He says that wine oppresses the wit as well as the very personality of a man, so should never drink. These lines are full of true Christian as well as Islamic concepts of leading a happy life. The language used is simple and easily understandable.

Sir Thomas Wyatt

(1503-1542)

The Lover for Shame fastness


“The lover for Shame fastness” is a romantic, passionate, praiseworthy and thought provoking poem written by Thomas Wyatt. He is famous for giving the sonnet its purely English form. He took the idea from Petrarch, who is a famous Italian sonneteer, but the stylization of the subject is Wyatt’s own.

This sonnet is about the highly emotional, sentimental passion “Love”. The same idea is also discussed by Surrey in his beautiful sonnet “Complaint of a Lover Rebuked”. The poet seems to have gone for away on the road of love but the behavior of beloved has made his condition miserable.

At the very start of the poem, the poet accepts the fact that the love has taken hold of his heart and mind. Love is personified as the lover’s master. It makes his appearance on his face

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and shows his occupation by waving a flag of victory on it. The poet is unable to resist the overwhelming nature of love which is controlling all the territory of his heart and mind.

The poet says that the beloved who taught him to love and suffer is now not happy with him. She seems to be selfish and has left him in the time of crises. She wants him to control his passion of love now. She has rejected his expression of love disdainfully (رت &ے��+). So the love has retreated and has now concealed itself in lover’s heart. The love is now not ready to come out of that place at any cost.

The poet finds himself in a fix in this situation. He finds it hard to decide what to do next. He finds his master i.e. loves fearing, may be due to its defeat. He is feeling fear as he is rejected by his beloved, but the lover vows (�� ار�� /��،ا) to remain faithful to his master. He has to live and die with his master. He is determined to live a life of faithfulness because it is best end of a faithfull’s life. And such a life is worth living in the world.

To conclude, it can be said that the theme of the poem is love though Wyatt has used the language of business and politics. This language shows that the poet is simple person and does not know to sugar coat his feelings as lovers usually do. Compared with Surrey’s version, Wyatt’s version lacks the artistic softness, rhythm and musicality. But in earnestness of passion Wyatt’s surpasses Surrey’s.

Explanation with Reference to the Context

(The long love………his banner)

(Lines 1-4)

Reference:

These lines have been taken from the poem “The Lover for Sham fastness” written by Thomas Wyatt.

Context:

The poet tells that the love has taken hold of his heart and mind. It makes his appearance on his face and shows his occupation by waving a flag of victory on it. He has learnt the art of loving from his beloved but she is not happy with him anymore. Therefore, his love has now concealed itself into his heart and is not ready to come out at any cost. Though she has deceived yet he has decided to remain loyal because this is well desired virtue in love.

Explanation:

These are the opening lines of the poem. In these lines the poet says that the love has taken complete hold of his heart and mind. It has occupied his face also and has fixed flag of

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victory there. It shows his possession and occupation of the poet. The poet from head to toe belongs to his beloved and declares about it openly in these lines. The language of lines is simple and straight forward. The poet expresses his feelings openly without hiding anything.

(What may I do……..ending faithfully)

(Lines 12-14)

Explanation:

These are ending lines of the poem. In these lines poet shows his state of uncertainty. He is in fix in this new situation of love. He finds it hard to decide what to do next and what course of action to take in future. He finds his master fearing. But he is a slave of his master i.e. love. So he has no option but to remain loyal to his master. He is so much faithful that he is ready to die even in the slavery of his master. He is ready to do this because he thinks that only the life of faithfulness is worth living in this world. These lines are full of passion of love. In these lines, the poet expresses his deep involvement in the matter of love. He is straight forward in the expression of his sentiments of love.

(2)

The Lover Despairing to Attain unto his Lady’s Grace


“Whose list to hind?” is a subjective, pathetic, realistic, ironic and highly thought provoking poem written by Thomas Wyatt. He is famous for giving the sonnet its purely English form. In this sonnet, he gives his own dejected feelings regarding love to beware the people.

The poet informs his love affair in this poem. He is continuously in love with a lady for the last much time. But, now he realizes that it is almost impossible to get her love in response of his love. Therefore, he finds it better to leave his invincible beloved and let his affair of love to end.

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The poet here compares her beloved with that of a hind (ہ��). For beauty the hind is matchless and, therefore tempting. But, it cannot understand the feelings of love and loyalty. It can be captured but cannot be forced to love its master. It loves to be free and has its own way. But the hind in the present case, Anne Boleyn, was not so lucky. It was captured by worst of hunter, King Henry VIII. She was Wyatt’s sweetheart. Henry married her but a year later executed her on the charges of disloyalty and treason. This sonnet was written before Henry’s marriage with her.

The poet like an experienced hunter is ready to advice others who wants to go on the useless hunt of that hind. But, he himself is fed up of following that beautiful hind, who is his beloved. He is now ready to give up his useless pursuit of catching her. He feels that catching her is like to catch wind in net. Now, he is feeling pain and trouble due to this tragic experience. He is suffering from mental and physical torture. He gives others the example of his own sufferings and assures other intended lovers that their efforts will also remain fruitless. Then in the last he gives the reason of his failure. She has diamond collar around her neck on which it is boldly engraved;

“Noli me tanger; for Ceasar’s I am,”

(Do not touch me because I am Ceasar’s).

Though she seems tame but actually she is not. As she herself claims;

“And wild for to hold, though I seem tame.”

In the end it can be said, that this sonnet is fine example of traditional emotions and sentiments. It reflects Wyatt’s typical style of writing sonnets. Though it lacks the artistic softness but the intensity of passion is quite evident and shows class of poet. In short, the sonnet reflects a mood of bitter dejection and absolute despair.


(Whose list…….come behind)

(Lines 1-4)

Reference:

These lines have been taken from the sonnet “Whose List to Hunt?” written by “Thomas Wyatt”.

Reference:

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In this poem the poet shares his experience of love. He loves a lady but she has been running away from him just as a wild deer runs away from a hunter. He feels himself dejected and dead tired in the pursuit of love. He warns other intended lovers of the lady to be aware of her that habit. He asks them to be careful about their love affair with the lady because though the lady may seem to be tame yet she in fact is wild.

Explanation:

These are opening line of the sonnet. In these lines the poet asks if there is any hunter who likes to get an advice about hunting from him. He informs the other hunters that there is a female deer somewhere that can be hunted. But then the poet also gives some more details about the matter. He tells that he himself had been hunting and following the same hind for quite some time. But, he feels sorry to say that he has been unable to catch her. He is dead tired now of this useless pursuit and wants to leave it. He has now realized that the pursuit would prove in vain and useless. He feels that he never would be able to catch her and win her heart. So he shares his own experience with other expected lovers of that lady to warn them about her nature.

(And graven with……I seem tame.)

(Lines 11-14)

Explanation:

These are last lines of the sonnet. Here in these lines, the poet tells other expected lovers of her beloved the reason of his failure to win her. He claims that no body may win the hind or the beloved. He says that she has an engraved diamond collar around her neck. On which it is written in simple and plain words, “Do not touch me because I am Caesar’s. I may seem tame and catchable outwardly, but I am wild at the core and nobody can hold me.” It is said that these words were written at the diamond collar of Anne Boleyn. She was beloved of the poet. That sonnet might have been about her. She was a beautiful and fair lady of those times. The language of the lines is simple and straight forward but full of dejected feelings of the poet.

(3)

The Lover Recounteth


“The Lover Recounteth” is a romantic, pathetic, and personal lyric written by “Thomas Wyatt’. He was the first poet who brought poetry from imagination to reality. This particular

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ode (لA) reminds us of John Donne’s poem “Goe and Catche a Falling Star”. The theme is same that is disloyalty of the beloved. Donne’s complaint is generalized, declaring the entire feminine sex disloyal. But, Wyatt’s complaint is against a particular lady.

The poem starts with a gloomy picture of a lover who falls in love with a lady. The lady also gives him positive response. After a short time poet observes some changes in the behavior of his beloved. The poet is shocked at these sudden changes of her behavior. She was so warm and passionate, so sensitive and apparently so sincere that he could never imagine that she could leave him alone. But, she did it heartlessly without a word of apology or reason. In a state of disbelief, the poet asks the questions to himself as well as to his reader that is it possible to happen.

The poet finds it impossible to believe that anybody can have a mind so easily changeable as the weather and wind. It is hard to believe for the poet that the feelings reflected through her eyes can change so quickly like a gambler’s dice. The poet feels emotionally much disturbed as he falls down from the immense height of favour. The anguishes cries of the poet are very striking and give his state of agony.

At first, the poet is not ready to believe that anyone can change so quickly in love. But at last he accepts the reality and declares;

“All is possible”

He declares that it is a knowledge that we generally get after lawfully wedding a lady. But, he has now come to the conclusion that anything is possible.

To sum up the discussion, it can be said, that the poem is full of sorrowful and tragic sentiments. The poem coveys deeply the unfaithful nature of beloved. The poet is direct and upright (ار��ر ;� 1�< �� in his statement. The repetition of words “Is it possible” show (ا=#miserable condition of the poet. But the in the last the words “All is possible” pacify the poet. In short, the poem is embodiment of poet’s sincere feelings and emotions.

Explanation with reference to context

Is it possible? That so…..so late.

(Lines 1-5)

Reference:

These lines have been taken from the poem “The Lover Rcounteth” written by Thomas Wyatt.

Context:

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This poem is about the disloyalty of the beloved of the poet. The poet is astonished and sad at the sudden change of her behavour. He is shocked because he believed it was impossible. The poet loved his beloved passionately but she left him because of her inconsistent nature. The poet finds it hard to believe that someone in love can change so quickly.

Explanation:

These are opening lines of the poem. Here in these lines, the poet shows his astonishment at the sharp end of his love affair. He asks in wonder that whether is it possible that the painful, noisy and passionate love that began so late should end so soon. It is true that this love affair started so late but this late start should have been a guarantee for its surety, sincerity. It should not have been so emotional and short lived when begun so late. It must go further in strength. The language of lines is very simple and straight forward. It is just like a self conversation which poet is doing just to make others aware about the failure of his love affair so soon.

Is it possible? So cruel…….to relent?

(Lines 6-10)

Explanation:

Here in these lines, the poet again asks the question as well as to his reader. He asks in wonder, is it possible that such a passionate love lose its warmth and intensity so soon. He is not ready to believe that such strong emotions of love can change into hatred so quickly. Actually, he means to say that she was so passionate, sensitive and apparently so sincere that he could never imagine that she can leave him alone. But, she did, heartlessly and without a word of apology or reason. The language of lines is very simple and straight forward. It is just like a self conversation which poet is doing just to make others aware about the failure of his love affair so soon.

All is possible! Whose list……and leave.

(Lines 26-30)

Explanation:

These are ending lines of the poem. Here in these lines the poet does not ask the question asked by him again and again in the poem. The reason is that the poet has reached a cool and satiric conclusion at last. He does not ask, “Is it possible”, rather he says, “It is possible.” He further says that not only it is possible but practically everything is possible. He says that everyone should believe in the short living of love. In the last he says that as men and

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women love each other and then marry after taking permission from the legal/religious authority. He says that in the same, let the people of the world now that “all is possible” in this world. Love is short lived and beloveds are changeable. So they must care about themselves. The language of lines is very simple and straight forward. It is just like a self conversation which poet is doing just to make others aware about the failure of his love affair so soon.

(4)

The Lover Beseecheth His Mistrees


“The Lover Beseecheth His Mistrees” is a passionate and pathetic appeal of Thomas Wyatt to his beloved. Wyatt is famous for giving the sonnet its purely English form and transforming the world of fantasy into reality.

In this particular sonnet, the poet has expressed his sincere and devoted emotions of love for his beloved. The beloved has started to suspect his true love without any solid proof. The lover strongly pleads her never to forget him as their love is tested one.

Then the poet reminds her painful stages of his love. Before the achievement of love his life was colourless and weary. He was not guided in that field so she must remember the difficult journey through which he had to travel from the beginning of love. He says that she also does not forget the hardships, cruelties and criticism which he received in regard to love.

He has suffered all this to get positive response from her. Again and again the words, “Forget not yet” show his emotional injured feelings and highlight his request also. He cannot force her but what he can do to protect his love is to request her again and again. The poet also asks her that she should also keep in mind the long duration for which his mind remained undivided and sincere. He always remained steadfast in her love despite of the fact that a long time has taken to prove his loyalty.

In the last stanza, the poet requests her not to forget that once you also loved her passionately. She should not forget the one whose love she has found always loyal and everlasting. He was the one who has never even thought of leaving her despite of all her cruelties.

In the end, one thing is quite clear that the poet is still loyal. But, the irony lies in the fact that the beloved has proved disloyal after attesting his love. He is still determined not to change his love. He wants equal response from her. Love is believed to be double edged game but the poet’s love is one sided.

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In short, in beautiful lyrics Thomas Wyatt has expressed the real, genuine and heartfelt emotions. The poet has artistically described the hypocrisy of his age. The language is simple, nice, straightforward and easily understandable. The style of the poem is frank. He has used politics and business language instead of the soft sweet diction of love.


Forget not yet…….spent, forget not yet!

(Lines 1-4)

Reference:

These lines have been taken from the poem “Forget not yet” written by Thomas Wyatt.

Context:

This poem is a passionate and pathetic appeal of the beloved to consider his case of love in the light of that what he has done and suffered for her. The poet requests her not to forget all his hardships that he has suffered for her on the path of love. He asks her not forget his sincere and devoted love for her as it has been tested and approved by her. He is not ready to leave her despite her cruelness and unfaithfulness.

Explanation:

These are opening lines of the poem. Here in these lines, the poet asks his beloved not forget his time tested and examined love for her. He has given his most devoted and sincere love to her. Though, he has to suffer a lot for her love yet he has given all his feelings of love to her with a glad and happy heart. Therefore, the beloved has no right to reject his time tested love for her. The language of lines is simple and full of emotional feelings of the poet for his beloved. The message is conveyed by Thomas Wyatt in his own straightforward style.

Forget not yet the great…..forget not yet1

(Lines 9-12)

Explanation:

In these lines, the poet requests his beloved not to forget his love and troubles he has suffered during the course of the love. She should not forget his earlier struggle when his love was still to be proved and confirmed. Many misunderstandings were born in between them. He has to conquer all his feeling of disgust and anger to prove his sincere love for her. He has to wait patiently for her response during her delay in accepting his love. The poet asks her not

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to forget all this rather remember while considering his case of love. The language of lines is simple and full of emotional feelings of the poet for his beloved. The message is conveyed by Thomas Wyatt in his own straightforward style.

(5)

The Faith is Dead

Critical appreciation

“The Faith is Dead” is a shocking, sincere and true cynic (ش رو��) poem by Thomas Wyatt. Wyatt is famous for giving the sonnet its purely English form and transforming the world of fantasy into reality. The poet feels that the old trust enjoyed by him in love is shattered by the beloved. She seemed to have turned away her heart to somebody else. So, he finds no other way except to leave her unfaithful love and bade her farewell.

The poem opens with the shocking treatment of a lover. He says that he cannot appeal to her anymore for loving him because she has broken the trust between both of them. She has disregarded his true and steadfast love. She has shown her double heartedness. He feels himself unable to say anything because, “Faith is Dead.” But, he can never be a hypocrite like her as it is against his nature.

Then he reminds her promises which they made to each other. They promised to remain loyal to each other. But, now, he feels that her love is shared by someone else also and he is not ready to accept this. For that reason he is ready to say her good bye. His faithfulness and single-mindedness has made him strong enough to take such a daring step. Hence, he is ready to leave the unkind and unjust beloved.

The poet claims that he always obeyed whatever she has demanded. But, he is now deceived and cheated by the beloved. The result is that he bids her farewell unkissed which is sign of love. The poet sensing the betrayal of his beloved expresses his own decision in forceful words. Wyatt being an artist was more sensitive and passionate. That is why his reaction to disloyalty was always more violent and unpleasant.

In the end, it can be said that this poem is a nice and sublime picture of heart-felt grief and sadness of the poet at the double-heartedness of his beloved. In spite of being an angry outburst there is a strange touch of softness in the style. The rhyme scheme is ababbcc. In short, the lyrics are true feelings of the poet which show his class as a poet.


What should I say…….nayl Mistress.

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(Lines 1-7)

These lines have been taken from the poem “What should I say?” written by Thomas Wyatt.

Context:

In this poem, the poet describes that due to some uncertain reasons on the part of his beloved the trust of love between him and his beloved has broken. So, he bids farewell his beloved because he believes that love is a two-end game and reciprocal sentiment. No doubt he still loves her but it is useless to confess as she has double heart and she has changed her standpoint. Therefore, he has decided to leave her.

Explanation:

These are opening lines of the poem. Here in these lines, the poet shows his surprise to show his heart feelings to double hearted beloved. She, once, loved him but due to undefined and unclear reasons she has changed her standpoint in love. The trust between them has shattered and broken. The love between them has mysteriously disappeared. It is true but it is impossible for the poet to believe on such shocking news. He asks the mistress to attest the news if that is true. Should he also play double heartedness in love? No, he is not ready to fall to that cheap level of human nature, where men or women change their beloveds. In short, these are true feelings of a straightforward and a simple person who always remains loyal to only one person in love.

Explanation:

Can you say nay……..farewell, unkist!

(Lines 22-28)

Explanation:

These are concluding lines of the poem. Here in these lines the poet asks his unfaithful beloved that if she can deny the fact that once she made a promise to remain steadfast and over-obedient in poet’s love. But, she has not fulfilled her promise and has changed her standpoint in love. As a result, the poet feels cheated and deceived. So, the poet has decided to say good-by forever to such an unkind lady. He is going to leave her for good (ہ �ے ��ےB��ہ), unkissed, though in a non-pleasant mood. These lines are full of anger and pathos. The poet in straightforward manner describes his heart feelings.

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(6)

The Lady to Answer Directly with Yea or Nay

Critical appreciation

“The Lady to Answer Directly with Yea or Nay” is a short but sublime, passionate poem by “Thomas Wyatt”. Wyatt is famous for giving the sonnet its purely English form and transforming the world of fantasy into reality. Actually, it is a request by the poet to his beloved in shortest possible words to confirm her love for him.

In the very start of the poem, the poet asks his beloved in a very respectable manner to answer his pleading. The poet, appeals his beloved to answer him directly, in one word “Yes” or “No”, she loves him or not. He wants a straightforward answer for his pleadings. He says to his beloved, that if she says “Yes” he would be pleased and if she says “No” they would be just friends.

Being a sincere and straightforward person, he does not like to be kept in suspense. Love is a matter of heart. It does not require long and deliberate thinking. There is no room for wait-and-watch, or for bargaining. Therefore, he asks for a straightforward yes or no. He does not want a lengthy arguments to support ‘yes’ or does not want explanations in the answer ‘No’. He wants a frank answer from his beloved. He wants to be clear about their relationship. He wants to be confirmed that whether they are in love or they are just friends. The poet is very curious and wants to know the reality of their relationship.

The poet is restless and wants to be sure about his relationship. He wants to know true feelings of his beloved towards him. He does not call her disloyal. It seems that he does not believe that she has got another lover. He rather seems to think that she would look for another man only after she is disappointed with him. But, at the same time he is not bounding her to himself only. He has given her a free choice to answer in yes or no. But, he wants a serious answer from her in only ‘yes’ or ‘No’ to settle the matter once for all, so that both of them will free to search for their lovers in future.

To conclude, it can be said, that the poet is in love with his beloved but is not sure of her love for him. It is a sincere and straightforward appeal of the poet to his beloved. The rhyme scheme is abab (alternating rhyming). The diction is simple and meaning quite clear.


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Madam, without….or no.

(Lines 1=-2)

Reference:

These lines have been taken from the poem “Madam, without many words” written by “Thomas Wyatt”.

Context:

In this poem the poet asks his beloved to answer him whether she really love him or not. He asks for a simple and straight forward answer in short possible words. He asks her to answer him in ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. He wants to know nature of their relationship. If she loves him then he will be happy but if she does not love him they will remain only friends and will free to fall in love with anybody.

Explanation:

These are opening lines of the poem. Here in the very start of the poem, the poet asks his beloved a direct question. He says that she must answer about the love either in ‘Yes’ or in ‘No’. The poet wants to be sure about the feelings of his beloved about him. He wants to know whether she loves him or not. He wants to know her true feelings about him. For that he demands a straightforward answer in shortest possible words. In short, it is a sincere and straightforward appeal of the poet to his beloved.

And if of one,……yea or nay.

(Lines 6-8)

Explanation:

Here in these lines, the poet wishes to get clear cut answer from his beloved about their relationship. He is burning in love and is very sentimental and passionate in it. So he requests her to have pity on him and answer him in shortest possible words of ‘yes’ or ‘no’. He wants to be clear in love so that he can make a planning for future in love. In short, it is a sincere and straightforward appeal of the poet to his beloved.

You shall another……no more.

(Lines 11-12)

Explanation:

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These are concluding lines of the poem. The poet asks his beloved to answer him plainly and in friendly manner whether she loves him or not. If she answers in negative, both would have free course of their action in future. Both would be free to have their love partner. The beloved would find another lover for her. Similarly, the poet would also be free to find another beloved of his choice. Though, he would not consider her lover yet they will remain friends as before. In short, it is a sincere and straightforward appeal of the poet to his beloved.

(7)

The Lover Showeth How He is Forsaken


“The Lover Showeth How He is Forsaken” is a sublime, pathetic and thought provoking poem written by “Thomas Wyatt”. Wyatt is famous for giving the sonnet its purely English form and transforming the world of fantasy into reality. This poem has dual meanings. The start of the poem suggest that it is a complaint of the poet against his friends but the later part shows that it is a complaint against his beloved.

Actually, the poem starts with a metaphor that is equally applicable to love and politics. The opening lines give a metaphor of timid wild animals. They were timid and took food from poet’s hand but now they have changed their approach. Now they have again become wild and have run away from him. The word “They” in the opening lines refers to his political allies as well as his beloved.

The poet reminds his friends and his beloved the time when they loved him very much. They were so respectful to him that they entered his room gently and with naked feet. They didn’t want to disturb him. But, now the time has changed. They have forgotten the how they loved to take every risk to enjoy his favour. The poet says that they now have gone out of his control and looking for new love in this ever changing world.

In the stanza number 2 and 3 the scene of love making narrows the meaning of “They” to womankind. Now the theme changes and it is now fickleness of women. These two stanza make it clear for whom the metaphor of tamed half-wild creature applies to. The second stanza gives a sensual scene of love making. This scene of sweet surrender is contrasted with the present break away of the mistress, with the pathetic note of regret,

“But all is turned now through my gentleness

Into a bitter fashion of forsaking.”

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The poem ends on to a note of revenge. The words “How like you this” are actually words of revenge, thrown on the unkind mistress.

In the end it can be said that the poem is a pathetic, passionate and sad complaint of the poet against the cruel behaviour of his beloved and his political allies. The poet remembers his glory as courtier and in love and feel sad. The rhyme scheme is ababbcc. The musical effect of the poem is remarkable. The tonal quality varies in each stanza. The difficult rhyme scheme in the last stanza enhances the mood of frustration and anguish.


They flee from me…………..in continual change.

(Lines 1-7)

Reference:

These lines have been taken from the poem “They flee from me” written by “Thomas Wyatt”.

Context:

In this poem the poet complains against the behaviour of his political allies as well as his beloved. The poem highlights his pathetic situation being left alone by his beloved. He tells us that there was a time when his beloved was deeply evolved with him. She enjoyed all the benefits of his high social position but now she has left him alone. He reminds her all those love making moments that she had with him. He feels sad to remember all those marry making activities.

Explanation:

In these lines the poet condemns his political allies. There was time when they loved him and respect him very much. They entered his home bare footed. They want to disturb him. They were ready to take any risk to receive his favour. But, now they have gone out of his control. They are now free of his control and are in search of new love in ever changing world. Actually, the poem starts with a metaphor that is equally applicable to love and politics. The opening lines give a metaphor of timid wild animals. They were timid and took food from poet’s hand but now they have changed their approach. Now they have now again became wild and have run away from him. The word “They” in the opening lines refers to his political allies as well as his beloved.

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It was no dream……….now deserved?

(Lines 15-21)

Explanation:

In these lines, the poet refers to the sweetest memorable event of his past life and claims to its reality. It was not dream because he was lying wide awake. But, because of his tender attitude now everything has changed. His beloved has cruelly forsaken him. He has also let her kindly free so that she may find new love and try her tricks on him. Since, she has treated him harshly the poet considers his right to ask her what she thinks of this nice little piece of verse. The poem ends on to a note of revenge. The words “How like you this” are actually words of revenge, thrown on the unkind mistress.

(8)

Songs and Epigrams

Of The Mean and sure Estate


“Of The Mean and sure Estate” is sublime, pathetic and highly thought provoking sonnet written by “Thomas Wyatt”. Wyatt is famous for giving the sonnet its purely English form and transforming the world of fantasy into reality. This sonnet actually is an advice to readers who want to live a court life.

Common man envied the court life but he is not aware of all the troubles and hardships that a court man has to suffer. Here, in courts the jealousies, conspiracies, insults and injuries are more abundant than anywhere else. If the monarch is happy with you, you will be favoured heavily but if he gets angry with you then there is no guarantee of your life. The favours of the monarchs may turn into his anger on slightest mistakes also. Hence, it is painful life for a sensitive man with a sound conscience.

This poem expresses the similar feelings. Wyatt belonged to the court of King Henry VIII. Here, he fully experienced the pains and pleasures. On the base of all his experiences of court life he draws some conclusions and prefers to live a life of a common man.

The poet compares the court life with a slippery wheel of high status. He says that if anyone wants to ride on this slippery wheel let him does so but let him to live a humble and quite life. He wants to live every part of his life according to his own will. He wants to pass his time in a hidden place without being known in the king’s court. According to him, the wanton

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( ،)�مC.�� >�ر ;� ��ں ) toys of the court give only monetary pleasure but not the honour. Therefore, it is better to live a life away from the noises and toils (D)< ,.E� ,4&) of court. In the end he wishes to die like a common man after spending his life quietly.

In the end it can be said that the poem shows Wyatt’s feelings of intense dislikeness for the court life. He was an artist and did not have temperament of courtiers. He was a free soul and also did not have mean and selfish nature like courtiers. Quiet naturally sometimes his feelings of strong hatred burst out in the form of verses. He is not ready to live a life like that and wants to live a quiet and calm life just like a common man. In short, the poem is remarkable having a note of rebellion against the atmosphere in which Wyatt had to live.


Stand who so……..here rejoice.

(Lines 1-4)

Reference:

These lines have been taken from the poem “Stand Who So List” written by “Thomas Wyatt”.

Context:

The poet asks is there anyone who wants to have a word of advice from him. He advises others to live a quite, calm and peaceful life. He says don’t be deceived by the life of courtiers. The court life is full of conspiracies and hardships. He advises to live a life of a common man if someone really likes to enjoy life to its full. Those who do not know the realities of court life envied it but the realties are bitter. Hence he advises the people to live and die like a common man worth desirable even for him

Explanation:

These are opening lines of the poem. Here in these lines the poet asks if there is anybody busy in courtier life would have some words of advice from him. He wants to share his personal experience about the court life. The court life is full of noise and hustle and bustle. It is also full of hardships. Its pleasures are mixed with sadness and grief. So a courtier should hear the poet’s advice carefully. He should act upon the nice and sublime advice of the poet with any hesitation. The language of the lines is simple, straightforward and easily comprehendible.

In hidden places…….common trace.

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(Lines 5-7)

Explanation:

In these lines, the poet tells us a secret of spending a successful life. He says that secret of successful life lies in a secretly-passed silent and contented life. He wishes to pass his life in a far-off place, hidden place, where nobody comes into contact with him and he comes into contact with anybody. He wishes to pass a silent, undisturbed and contented life at such a place. He also wishes to die at the same place leaving no footprints on sand of time. He wants to pass a secluded (�1ے &ے دور�$�) life and wants to meet an unwept and unsung death. The language of the lines is simple, straightforward and easily comprehendible.

Notes MA English Part 1,Surray and Wyatt

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