Author: Ben Jonson

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This morning, timely rapt with holy fire,
I thought to form unto my zealous Muse    
What kind of creature I could most desire,
To honour, serve, and love; as poets use.
I meant to make her fair, and free, and wise,
Of greatest blood, and yet more good than great;
I meant the day-star should not brighter rise,
Nor lend like influence from his lucent seat.
I meant she should be courteous, facile, sweet,
Hating that solemn vice of greatness, pride;
I meant each softest virtue there should meet,
Fit in that softer bosom to reside.
Only a learnd and a manly soul
I purposed her; that should, with even powers,
The rock, the spindle, and the shears control
Of Destiny, and spin her own free hours.
Such when I meant to feign, and wished to see,
My Muse bade Bedford write, and that was she.

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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: The poet's work is a thoughtful meditation on idealized femininity, exploring themes of beauty, virtue, and power. The poem is structured as an extended metaphor, with the speaker imagining the creation of a perfect woman. The tone is admiring and respectful, reflecting the poet's high regard for his subject.

The poet uses imagery and personification to give life to the woman's attributes. She is described as "fair, and free, and wise," with a "learnd and a manly soul" that can control destiny. The use of celestial imagery, such as the "day-star," suggests her transcendent qualities. The language is rich and evocative, with the poet employing words like "courteous," "facile," and "sweet" to convey her gentleness and grace. There's also a clear rejection of pride, which is described as a "solemn vice of greatness," suggesting a preference for humility and meekness. By the poem's end, it's revealed that the idealized woman is not a mere figment of the poet's imagination, but a real individual named Bedford, which adds a personal and intimate touch to the poem. The poet's desire to see these virtues embodied in a real woman underscores the depth of his admiration and respect.