Welcome to Poem of the Day – Sonnet XIII: To Mr. H. Lawes on His Aires by John Milton.
“Sonnet XIII: To Mr. H. Lawes on His Aires” is a sonnet by John Milton, written to praise Henry Lawes, an English composer and Milton’s contemporary. Lawes was known for his musical compositions, particularly his skill in setting poetry to music, and Milton admired the artistry and skill Lawes displayed in harmonizing words with melody. The poem celebrates Lawes’ talent and emphasizes the profound emotional impact that music and poetry, when combined, can have on audiences.
Sonnet XIII: To Mr. H. Lawes on His Aires Poem
Harry whose tuneful and well measur’d Song
First taught our English Musick how to span
Words with just note and accent, not to scan
With Midas Ears, committing short and long;
Thy worth and skill exempts thee from the throng,
With praise enough for Envy to look wan;
To after age thou shalt be writ the man,
That with smooth aire couldst humor best our tongue
Thou honour’st Verse, and Verse must send her wing
To honour thee, the Priest of Phoebus Quire
That tun’st their happiest lines in Hymn or Story
Dante shall give Fame leave to set thee higher
Then his Casella, whom he woo’d to sing
Met in the milder shades of Purgatory.
Sonnet XIII: To Mr. H. Lawes on His Aires Poem Explanation
In this sonnet, Milton praises Henry Lawes for his musical abilities and the way he elevates poetry through his compositions. Milton appreciates how Lawes’ music respects and enhances the meaning of the poetry, rather than overpowering it. He likens Lawes’ musical talent to divine inspiration, suggesting that Lawes’ music has an almost celestial quality. Milton also expresses gratitude for the honor of having his own verse set to music by Lawes, underscoring the poet’s admiration and respect for the musician.
Structure and Form
Form: The poem is a sonnet, specifically in the English (or Shakespearean) sonnet form, consisting of 14 lines. It follows a traditional structure with a clear focus on honoring Lawes’ skill and artistry.
Rhyme Scheme: The rhyme scheme is ABBA ABBA CDCD EE, which is slightly unusual as it mixes elements of the Petrarchan and Shakespearean sonnet forms.
Meter: Milton employs iambic pentameter, which is standard for sonnets. The steady rhythm reflects the formal tone of praise and gives the poem a flowing musicality, complementing its theme.
Detailed Explanation of Major Elements
Themes:
Artistic Praise: The primary theme of the sonnet is admiration for artistic talent. Milton praises Lawes not only for his technical skill but also for the emotional and intellectual depth he brings to music.
Harmony of Music and Poetry: Milton emphasizes the harmony achieved when music and poetry complement each other. He sees Lawes’ compositions as enhancing the words of the poems rather than overshadowing them, a true mark of artistic respect.
Divine Inspiration: Milton suggests that Lawes’ talents are almost divine, implying that his musical skill is a gift. This theme highlights the idea of art as an elevated form of expression, one that reaches beyond mere entertainment.
Imagery and Symbolism:
Divine Imagery: Milton’s description of Lawes’ talent includes celestial references, implying that his music has a heavenly quality. This imagery elevates Lawes’ work as something more profound than ordinary music.
Musical Metaphors: Milton uses musical metaphors to capture the fluidity and beauty of Lawes’ compositions, conveying the impact of music on the soul.
Tone and Language:
Tone: The tone is reverent and celebratory, reflecting Milton’s deep respect and admiration for Lawes’ talents. This tone suits the sonnet form, which often carries a formal, elevated quality.
Language: Milton’s language is rich and lyrical, with carefully chosen words that evoke the beauty of music and poetry. His diction is formal, appropriate for the sonnet’s subject of artistic praise.
Conclusion
“Sonnet XIII: To Mr. H. Lawes on His Aires” is a sonnet of admiration and respect, in which John Milton celebrates Henry Lawes’ musical talent and his ability to harmonize poetry with melody. Through the structured form of the sonnet and his reverent language, Milton captures the profound impact that Lawes’ compositions have on audiences. The sonnet highlights Milton’s belief in the beauty and power of art, and the importance of artists who respect and enhance one another’s work. This poem stands as a testament to the timeless connection between poetry and music and the enduring influence of skilled artists.
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