To The Eleven Ladies

By Oliver Wendell Holmes

Lyric Poem
Who Presented Me With A Silver Loving Cup On The Twenty-Ninth Of August, M Dccc Lxxxix     "Who gave this cup?" The secret thou wouldst steal     Its brimming flood forbids it to reveal:     No mortal's eye shall read it till he first     Cool the red throat of thirst.     If on the golden floor one draught remain,     Trust me, thy careful search will be in vain;     Not till the bowl is emptied shalt thou know     The names enrolled below.     Deeper than Truth lies buried in her well     Those modest names the graven letters spell     Hide from the sight; but wait, and thou shalt see     Who the good angels be.     Whose bounty glistens in the beauteous gift     That friendly hands to loving lips shall lift     Turn the fair goblet when its floor is dry, -     Their names shall meet thine eye.     Count thou their number on the beads of Heaven     Alas! the clustered Pleiads are but seven;     Nay, the nine sister Muses are too few, -     The Graces must add two.     "For whom this gift?" For one who all too long     Clings to his bough among the groves of song;     Autumn's last leaf, that spreads its faded wing     To greet a second spring.     Dear friends, kind friends, whate'er the cup may hold,     Bathing its burnished depths, will change to gold     Its last bright drop let thirsty Maenads drain,     Its fragrance will remain.     Better love's perfume in the empty bowl     Than wine's nepenthe for the aching soul;     Sweeter than song that ever poet sung,     It makes an old heart young!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem presents a rich exploration of themes such as gratitude, mystery, friendship, and the transformative power of love. The tone is appreciative and poignant, with a sense of mystery and anticipation being woven through the lines. The speaker's curiosity about the giver of the silver cup, which is not revealed until the cup is emptied, adds suspense and an element of surprise.

In terms of structure and literary devices, the poem uses an ABAB rhyme scheme, creating a melodic rhythm that enhances its narrative flow. The use of metaphor to equate the silver cup's contents with the names of the givers, and the subsequent transformation of these contents to gold, symbolizes the transformational power of love and friendship. The cup serves as a symbol of love's enduring and enriching influence, even in absence or emptiness, as emphasized in the final lines. The poet also uses allusions to celestial bodies and mythical figures, further enriching the text's imagery and symbolic depth.

Furthermore, the poem's concluding lines underscore the rejuvenating power of love and friendship. The speaker implies that love's "perfume" is preferable to wine's temporary solace ("nepenthe for the aching soul"), and it has the power to "make an old heart young," indicating the timeless, revitalizing nature of love. This harmonious blend of theme, tone, structure, and skillful use of literary devices makes this poem an engaging and thought-provoking piece.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.