A Sonnet, To The Noble Lady, The Lady Mary Wroth

Author: Ben Jonson

I that have been a lover, and could show it,
Though not in these, in rhymes not wholly dumb,
Since I exscribe your sonnets, am become
A better lover, and much better poet.
Nor is my Muse, or I ashamed to owe it
To those true numerous graces; whereof some
But charm the senses, others overcome
Both brains and hearts; and mine now best do know it:
For in your verse all Cupid's armory,
His flames, his shafts, his quiver, and his bow,
His very eyes are yours to overthrow.
But then his mother's sweets you so apply,
Her joys, her smiles, her loves, as readers take
For Venus' ceston, every line you make.
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: The poem explores themes of love, artistry, and inspiration. The speaker, presumably a poet, is expressing their gratitude and admiration for their beloved, whose qualities have not only improved their own capacity for love, but also enhanced their poetic flair. The beloved is depicted as a muse, a source of inspiration that elevates the speaker's art. The speaker's deep appreciation for the beloved's "true numerous graces" implies their understanding of the multifaceted nature of love, and how it transcends mere sensory attraction to encompass intellectual and emotional connection.

In the second half of the poem, the speaker employs an extended metaphor of Cupid and Venus, the Roman gods of love and beauty, to further highlight the beloved's impact. Cupid's "armory" - his flames, arrows, quiver, and bow, traditionally symbolic of passion and desire - are said to be "overthrown" by the beloved. This suggests the beloved's ability to inspire a love more profound and powerful

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.