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TO A COY MISTRESS - in the style of the late Mr. William Shakespeare |
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By MattHews
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06 September 2008 |
Thanks to all who commented on To The Right Hon. Gordon Brown, and in particular to Fellpony and Veronica Milvus. Now I am trying my hand at emulating the great William S.! P.S. I don't think that there are any Alexandrines here to disturb fastidious critics.
Since gold nor silver can thy virtue buy,
Nor prayers nor pleas thy dearest love inspire,
Shall I my passion spend but with a sigh
And with a tear quench all my heart's desire?
Oh, lady, since I cannot win thy heart
With gentle courtesies and pretty baits,
Must I employ th'apothecary's art,
Mix potions strong to breach thy steadfast gates?
Oh, lady, nay! for this I scorn to do;
What, cruelly force a maiden 'gainst her will?
For shame! Now shall I gently, kindly woo
Thy sweetest favours with my inky quill,
Extol thy beauty on a parchment page
To win thee lovers in some distant age.
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Superb!
Written by Katanga (1698 comments posted) 6th September 2008 | I think this is masterful - your finest to date!
I read and re-read it with growing pleasure!
Greatly looking forward to more on your return from Croatia . . .
Beers!
John X | very fine
Written by fellpony (1821 comments posted) 6th September 2008 | and worthy of the Bard's collection - are you sure you are not Mr Bacon or possibly Queen Elizabeth in britches? And no, there were no stray alexandrines in your pentameter this time  | Shall I compare thee...
Written by Brett (1113 comments posted) 6th September 2008 | to some bearded herbert?
This is a very admirable piece, but it is such a shame that it has to be stated 'in the style of the late Mr. William Shakespeare' - how dare a poet write in such a style these days, for everyone is like so clever as to not have to like talk like they did back then know what I mean? ****s
Regarding Alexandrines (as this is laziness on my part) I did think your use of them in your previous post made the metre struggle, but this may be my own problem - a fan of Keats I'm used to Alexandrines ending a pentametric stanza - of course I don't condemn any other use, it just took a few readings for me to grasp your intentions.
Cheers | I am like . . .
Written by Katanga (1698 comments posted) 6th September 2008 | . . . gobsmacked by youf poem, Malcolm.
Regarding Alexandrines - I guess, as Brett says, they can't be used willy-nilly.
For full, like, traditional effect, an Alexandrine can be used in the last, like, line of a pentametric work?
Much food for contemplation and , like,research!
Beers!
John X |
Written by Josie (2945 comments posted) 7th September 2008 | | I agree with all that has been said: An excellent piece of writing. | Thanks to all
Written by MattHews (45 comments posted) 8th September 2008 | Thanks in particular to Fellpony, Jose. Katanga and Brett - I really appreciate your comments. I shall be away until 23rd Sept. Brett - I know what like what you mean, mate, like all about talking like what they did. When I get back, Brett, I'll do a Keats for you!
Cheers, everyone - and beers for you Mr. Sandalman Katanga!
Malcolm MattHews |
Written by mia_ms_kim (1057 comments posted) 8th September 2008 | I've never understood Shakespeare when I was growing up - but then I was still learning the basics of English then. But now I can see the beauty of not just the penship but also the mindset behind language like this. Somehow it doesn't sound pretentious (this was what I used to think of such language before), but sweet and very likable. I particularly liked the "medieval-sounding" references to apothecary's art, inky quill and parchment. Very romantic.
Mia  |
Written by Gwynedd (85 comments posted) 10th September 2008 | | So beautiful and a great idea! |
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