Sonnets on English Dramatic Poets (1590-1650): James Shirley

This poem is an evocative journey through time and memory, filled with elements of nostalgia and a deep reverence for artistic predecessors. The poet skillfully uses the setting of dusk and the metaphor of a 'glowworm lamp' to depict the passage of time and the enduring nature of artistry. The lamp, acting as a 'small clear beacon', suggests the comforting and guiding role of the past, the heritage of literature, in the life of an artist.

The tone of the poem is contemplative and a bit melancholy, with a tangible sense of longing for a bygone era. It reflects on the evolution of English literature, referencing Marlowe's 'lion ramp', an allusion to the iconic playwright and poet Christopher Marlowe, further highlighting the poet's sense of connection with literary history. Davenant and Suckling, two other significant figures in English literature, are also invoked, further deepening this connection. The final lines, portraying Suckling's "stumble" into "alien art", seem to lament the loss of innocence, or the sacrifices made, in the pursuit of artistic evolution. The poem's structure, with its meticulous rhyme scheme and rhythmic cadence, adds to its overall reflective and nostalgic tone. The poet's use of personification, metaphor, and allusion all contribute to creating a rich tapestry of literary tradition and continuity.