Notes MA English Part 1, Surray and Wyatt

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Henry Howard
(Earl of Surrey)
(1517-157)
(1)
Complaint of a Lover Rebuked
Critical Appreciation
Complaint of a Lover Rebuked is romantic, love, pathetic and worth praising sonnet
by surrey. He was famous for giving sonnet its purely English form. This sonnet is an adoption
of Petrarchs 140
th
sonnet dealing with the highly emotional and sentimental passion; love. It
is the complaint of a lover who is rebuked. In fact, the sincere lover of this poem is helpless
before his love as he is rebuked by his beloved. The love that struggled to win the favours of
his beloved is now living a miserable life of captivity in the lovers heart. But being a faithful
servant, he declared not to leave his master. He would die for love as it is a pleasure to do so in
love and loyalty.
In the very start of the poem, the poet (lover) describes power of love and its influence
on its victim. He calls love as a ruler of his hearts kingdom. So he is unable to disobey his
ruler, love, who is seated at the throne of his heart. Thus it is controlling the whole territory of
his mind and heart. Moreover, being the supreme ruler, love mocks at his failure by showing
his victorious banner. However, it is ironic that the person, who taught him to love and to bear
pain in it, has now left him at the time of crises. The beloved has proved shamefaced and
obstinate enough as not to bother even now about the poor lover.
Now, the love, after being defeated, has concealed itself in the heart of lover because the
beloved has changed her smiling grace and beauty into anger. But, as the poet is not a coward,
so he is not going to change his stand point and is ready to die for his love. Love is his master
and he is not ready to disobey him. In short, it is natural outburst of emotions of the poet on
not having a positive response from his beloved.
Surrey is superb craftsman. He has successfully shown emotional suffering of the lover.
He has personified love as knight defeated in war, who is leading a life of captivity in the
lovers heart. The lover is given the role of a determined slave who is ready to share his
masters fate. Though, the beloved is at fault yet the poet is ready to sacrifice his life in love,
because such a death is noble and desired.
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Wyatt has also tried his hand on the same sonnet but Surrey lacks in emotional
intensity. Though, he is technically superior to Wyatt. He conveys the sense in a simple and
straight forward manner. Alternate rhyming with a couplet at the end, and choice of words, is
a remarkable handling of the language.
To conclude, we may say that the diction used by the poet is simple, straightforward
and appropriate to the theme of the poem. In short, the nature, theme, concept and the
treatment of the sonnet is really superb acting a magical effect on the reader.
Explanation with reference to the Context
Love that dothbanner rest.
(Lines 1-4)
Reference:
These lines have been taken from the sonnet Love that doth reign and live
within my thought by Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey.
Context:
The poet explains his standpoint in the field of love in this beautiful sonnet. He
had been constantly and steadfastly in love with his beloved. Love has won a total victory over
him. It has fixed his flag on his face to show his full occupation of his heart and mind. But, then
the beloved has not been true to him and has rebuked him. So the poor love has hidden itself
in the heart of the poet, there to live and there to die.
Explanation:
The poet says in these lines that love of the sweetheart has always been living in his
thoughts. He had always been living in his thoughts. He had always been busy in loving her
from the core of his heart. So love has won a victory over his thoughts as well as body. It has
captivated his breast. It possessed his heart as well as his face by putting a flag there to show
his full occupation of the poet. This is the same thing done by old kings to show their
ownership or victory over a castle or fort or palace.

For my lordsend by love.
(Lines 12-14)
Explanation:
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In these lines, the poet says that love has been his only lord and master in all respects.
He is a slave of love, so he is going to suffer for the sins or guilt of his master. Still he is faithful
and steadfast in his love and is not going to leave it. He is not going to change his stand point.
He will not remove even one foot back in the service of his lord, i.e. love. He is even ready to
sacrifice his life for the sake of love because a death that comes in the way of love is a sweet
and noble death.

(2)
Prisoned in Windsor
Prisoned in Windsor is an ironical, pathetic, heart rendering (-'') and above all
sentimental poem by Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey. It is believed that Surrey passed his
boyhood in Windsor Castle in the company of Henry Fritzoy, who was engaged to Surreys
sister Marry. But, he died before reaching the age of marriage. Both the Prince and Surrey
lived together for sometime in the Windsor Castle and had a pretty free hand in matters of
games and love. But, after the death of the Prince, surrey was imprisoned in the same castle on
the charges of treason (.-=) or disloyalty to the king. Here in this poem the poet is
remembering those happy days that he spent here in the same place where he is imprisoned
now. Hence, the poem is a fine blend of contradictory passions, like pleasure and pain, life and
death, mobility and stagnation, love and hatred.
The poem starts with a sad note of unexpected imprisonment on the same place where
he once enjoyed the liveliest moments of his life in the company of Prince Henry Fritzoy. In
their boyhood, they remained busy in different enjoyable activities such as to enjoy the
company of beautiful ladies, to ride on their horses in search of pleasure, dance with ladies in
the stately large ball-rooms, to plead for each others right instead of becoming rivals in love.
They used to hunt wild frightened dear on their horses with barking dogs and then loud voices
of merry while hunting. In this way they used to spend their days and nights. But alas! All
these happy moments of past now bring pain and tears for the poet.
The poet badly remembers his dead companions with whom he spent the happiest
moments of his life. In fact, the poet finds it to be his chief relief to reduce the pains of
imprisonment by remembering his golden past.
The poem highlights that how fate rules over mans fate. The poet is imprisoned in the
same castle where once he lived the happiest time of his life. He asks the castle to give him
same old pleasures and feasts. Actually, he wants to say that life is most uncertain and nobody
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knows what is going to happen at the different stages of life. His sufferings are
multidimensional; it is physical, moral, spiritual and psychological.
To sum up, the poem is full of nostalgic ( '--- '- - . ) colours. The long list of
images gives us the glimpses of enjoyed pleasures of the poets boyhood. Then the details of
his pains while imprisoned are also pathetic. However, the poem is a good specimen of meter
( ' =- '- '- ---- -- - -- ) rhyme, music and rhythm. The rhyme pattern is abab (alternate
rhyming) with a couplet at the end. The rhymes are mellow (--`-). The imagery is realistic.
The meaning is clear and the passion is well-tampered. In short, the poem is a nice example of
spontaneous outburst of powerful feelings of grief, sorrow and pains.
So cruel prison. sons of Troy.
(Lines 1-4)
Reference:
These lines have been taken from the poem Prisoned in Windsor written by Henry
Howard, Earl of Surrey.
Context:
This is a nostalgic poem in which the poet is comparing his past beautiful and happy life
with the present tragic life. He is he used to live in Windsor Castle with Prince Henry Fitzroy.
Both of them enjoyed princely games, feasts, courting ( - - = - '- -' '-' ) and all
other many happy pastimes. But the prince has died and the poet has been imprisoned in the
same castle by the King. So naturally he is remembering all those happy moments and is
feeling very sad.
Explanation:
The poet is imprisoned in the Windsor Castle. It the same castle where he used to enjoy
a sweet life in the company of Prince Henry Fitzroy, who was engaged with the poets sister.
The poet asks in despair, how it could happen that he is lying imprisoned in the same Windsor
Castle where he once used to live in the happy company of prince. Both of them used to enjoy
life of great pleasure. They had greater feasts than Priams son of Troy.
The stately seats.others right.
(Lines 9-12)
Explanation:
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The poet remembers the old past happy days passed by him in the company of the
Prince Henry Fitzroy in Windsor Castle. They used to enjoy life in the best possible way. They
would enjoy the beautiful company of ladies wearing brightly coloured clothes. They would
enjoy dance parties in the castle. They would plead for each others rights in such a powerful
manner that even tigers would feel regret not to be able to roar in that loud, powerful and
magnificent manner.
The wild forestheart a force.
(Lines 29-32)
Explanation:
The poet remembers the old past happy days passed by him in the company of the
Prince Henry Fitzroy in Windsor Castle. Both of them used to ride on the back of their horses
in search of pleasure. They went on hunting tour, crying loudly and joyfully. They horses
would be foaming with perspiration while following a deer or stag. The cries of hunting dogs
would also be there and the whole scene would be full of noise and life.
And thispleasant renew.
Lines (41-44)
Explanation:
The poet after remembering those happy days which he spent in the company of the
Prince Henry Fitzroy now feel sad and dejected. Now the memory of those happy days is
giving pain to him. Tears begin to fall from his eyes and his face loses its natural colour. He
feels great sorrow on his miserable condition and requests to the walls of Castle for those old
happy and blessed days which he spent in the company of his friends.
And with remembrance.....chief relief.
Lines (53-54)
Explanation:
These are the last lines of the poem. This is the concluding couplet that tells us about
the utter grief of the poet at the sad comparison between the present pains with the past
pleasure. After all, he has to be contented with whatever he has been left with of his past. All
these past memories make him really sad. Anyhow, he finds it to be his only chief relief to
forget his present painful time for a while. He feels comfort for sometime while remembering
those happy days of his life when he was free of all the worries of life.
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3-On Wyatts Death
Critical analysis
This poem is actually a tribute to Thomas Wyatt from Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey. He
was guide, friend and in a way predecessor of him. Wyatt was famous in his people for his
diplomatic work and his innovations in the English poetry. The poet mentions the great
qualities of Thomas Wyatt in this poem. Wyatt introduced sonnet by taking inspiration from
Petrarchs style and this style was followed by Shakespeare. The poet feels sad at the tragic
death of Wyatt and feels that he did not receive deserved attention and honor of the people.
In fact, this poem is an elegy (=---'' =). Like any other elegy, the poem enumerates
the nice qualities of the head and heart which nature had endowed the deceased poet. Surrey
has expressed his feelings of loss at the death of such a great personality.
Wyatt worked for the benefit of the state as well as of the young men of his time. The
poet has described artistically different qualities of Wyatt. According to him, he had a wisdom
which unfolds ('-'+) new mysteries. His face had both qualities of severity and softness. He
had tongue that served his own King even in other countries. He had a noble heart and
courteous (--'-) way of speaking that made others to respond to his goodness with their own
goodness. He had a pure eye that cannot be deceived or cheated. He had such a heart that was
brave, unafraid and that could bear and tolerate any hindrance in the way of truth. He wrote
poetry that excelled Chaucers in glory of wit and set a standard that others might approach
but never attain. In short, the poet very sympathetically presents a graphic picture of his well
known predecessor.
The poem basically is an epitaph ( '+' -- '- .=- - -) to Thomas Wyatt.
It is glowing tribute that makes an impressive pen picture of Wyatts tremendous qualities.
Surrey has lamented in this grand and fluent elegy on the death of such a valuable person that
in fact was equal to losing a precious jewel. Its language is touchy, soft, worth praising and full
of passions. Like a good elegy the poem enumerates one quality after the other of the deceased
poet.
To conclude, it can be said that the poem shows the greatness of Surreys art. The poem
is an expressive pen picture of Wyatt in eight aptly worded quatrains (stanzas of four different
alternatively rhyming lines). Each quatrain highlights different aspect of the great poets
personality. In short, it is really an impressive and thought provoking poem by a great literary
giant, Henry Howard.
Wyatt resteth here..could obtain.
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(Lines 1-4)
Reference:
These lines have been taken from On Wyatts Death written by Henry Howard, Earl of
Surrey.
Context:
In this poem the poet mourns the tragic death of Thomas Wyatt. He was his predecessor
in the field of poetry. In this poem, he highlights Wyatts fine qualities of head and heart. Wyatt
was a nice fellow who worked for the benefit of the state as well as of the young men of his
times. He also worked for the betterment of poetry. The poet feels sad at the tragic death of
Wyatt and feels that he did not receive the attention and honour of the people which he
deserved.
Explanation:
These are the starting lines of the poem. The poet takes the reader to the grave of his
worthy predecessor, Thomas Wyatt, and tells us about his different qualities. He says that he is
resting there and he was such person who never knew what rest is. Throughout his life he
remained busy in different kinds of works and did not take rest. He went to kings court and
also on foreign diplomatic missions also. He wrote poetry and worked energetically for the
betterment of young men around him. His was like mercury, which never stays in one place
and is always on the move. If somebody had feelings of contempt for him, he was not angry
with him; rather he tried to make himself better. Virtue has a deep place in his heart and he
worked for the welfare of the people in all conditions. These lines actually give a graphic
picture of Thomas Wyatt and show us what a sort of person he was.
A hand thatshall hit.
(Lines 13-16)
Explanation:
In these lines the poet tells us about the works done by Thomas Wyatt for the
betterment of English poetry. Wyatt brought poetry out of fakeness ('--) and hypocrisy and
endowed it with real and genuine feelings and emotions. He taught the way to write genuine
poetry. He polished Italian sonnet and left it bright and shining. It was then later on taken it by
Shakespeare who used it with great craftsmanship. Wyatt polished the wit of Chaucer to such
an extent that was un-accessible for the future generations. He took and raised it to such a
high and sublime standard that was hardly to be surpassed in the coming years. In short, these
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lines show us the great service of the great poet for the English poetry. He was a man who
gave a new outlook to English sonnet writing.
A heart where..into mischance.
(Lines 25-28)
Explanation:
In these lines, the poet highlights some great qualities of Thomas Wyatt, in tribute of
whom he wrote this poem. He says that he was a man who loved truth. He possessed a free
and forceful heart that was never afraid of speaking truth even in adverse circumstances. He
went on and on truthfully in life. He made a principle of his life to speak truth in every
circumstances and he never gave up his it in his whole life. He never gave any importance to
wealth and fortune. He could never bow or surrender before bad luck or misfortune. He was a
steadfast and upright ('---) fellow who never adopted any foul mean to get any benefit
thorough out his life. In short, these lines give some personal qualities of the great poet of past.

But to the..received so.
(Lines 33-36)
Explanation:
In these lines, the poet sadly says that after the death of Wyatt his noble soul has flown
away to heaven. He was a great lover of God and Christ. He left such an example of this love
that others could only desire and envoy of it. He was a man who had qualities and nature
which could make our society a better place to live. He worked for our benefit but we never
gave him any credit or recognition for his services. We did not receive him with warm heart
and open arms though he deserved it. The poet says that actually we were not aware of the
abilities of this great man otherwise we definitely would have given him due respect and
honour. In short, in these lines the poet laments that the people not had recognized Wyatts
greatness and not had given him what he deserved.
Thus for our..his ghost.
(Lines 37-38)
Explanation:
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These are concluding lines of the poem. In these lines, poet tells us about the death of
Wyatt in memory of whom he wrote this poem. He feels sad at his death. He also feels guilty
on the part of his nation for not appreciating the virtues, values and services of Wyatt. He is
sad that the jewel they had got in the form of Wyatt has been lost by them. The nature had
taken its precious gift back, due to their non-appreciation. Now that great fellow has died. His
body, his bones are buried down in the earth while his soul has gone to the heaven to take a
long rest. In short, in these lines the poet laments that the people not had recognized Wyatts
greatness and not had given him what he deserved.
4-The Means to Attain a Happy Life
The means to attain a happy life is a worth praising and thought provoking poem
written by the great poet of past, Henry Howard, the Earl of Surrey. He was famous for
introducing blank verse for the first time in English poetry. This is a short poem that tells the
reader about the means to attain a calm and happy life. He tells that how a content and silent
life can be achieved in this world. In this poem, the poet has wisely and precisely ( --+ .''-
- =) explained the golden rules of a peaceful life.
The poet calls the readers his friend and then goes on to tell them about the things that
are basis of a true happy life. The poet tells us his own findings of leading a happy life. The first
rule he gives is to avoid all such wealth which is not earned by hard labour. Only then one can
pave a way for leading a happy life. A quiet and peaceful mind is the real base for passing a
contented life. He should have friend of equal status who never has a grudge for him and never
quarrel with him. For him to live a peaceful life a person must enjoy good health and must
have the company of family with kids.
He further says that if a person who wishes to pass a peaceful life should avoid delicious
and dainty ( = -- ) dishes. He should not drink wine at all because it makes a human mind
abnormal. He should enjoy a sound sleep in night and put all his wordily activities for day
time. He further relates that a faithful wife can prove the best friend and companion for him.
Such a person never wishes for death due to adverse or negative circumstances. He even not
fears of death as he leads an innocent and sinless life.
To conclude it can be said, the language of this poem is impressive, informative, well
explained and effective. In a simple language, the poet describes some certain conditions
fulfillment of which ensures a happy and joyful life. Actually, these secrets of happy life are his
personal experiences. In short, the poet has beautifully given the golden principles to live a
successful and happy life.
Explanation with Reference to Context
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My friend, the things..quite mind.
(Lines 1-4)
Reference:
These lines have been taken from the poem The means to attain a happy life written
by Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey.
Context:
In this poem, the poet tells his readers about the secrets of leading a happy life.
He says it is not much difficult to pass such a life. One can pass such a life by adopting certain
habits in life. He should not love easy money and should not posses prejudice and desire to
rule over others. He should not love tasty dishes and should try to be as simple as possible.
One should shun away all worldly cares and worries and not indulge in drinking. One should
enjoy calm and peaceful sleep in night and leave away all problems and disturbances
whatsoever. Only then he can live a happy life.
Explanation:
These are the beginning lines of the poem. Here he tells a friend and through him all the
readers at large, the secrets of spending a happy life. It is dream of every person to live a
happy life. The poet in this poem gives his personal experience to live a happy life. He tells us
that he comes to the conclusion about the rules of leading a happing life through his long
personal experiences. The first of these rules is to leave away the easy-money and all such
wealth which is not hard earned. One then can pave the way and can prepare the ground for
leading a happy life. He says that a calm and peaceful mind is the real base for passing a happy
and contented life. In short, in these opening lines the poet gives some certain rules by
adopting which we can live calm, peaceful and a happy life. The language used by the poet is
very simple and is in simple conversational style. The suggestions given by are quite
understandable.
The mean diet..not oppress.
(Lines 9-12)
Explanation:
In this poem the poet share some of his personal experiences to live a happy and
contented life. Here in these lines he gives some of the rules to lead a peaceful life. He says that
a person who wants to live such a kind of life should avoid tasty dishes and should try to have
simple meals. He should try to live simple life in all respects. His nights should not pass in
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drinking and hustle-and-bustle. On the other, he should have a peaceful sleep at night. He
should leave away all thoughts and go to sleep. He should leave away all thoughts and go to
sleep at night as nature has made night for sleeping and taking rest and day for daily activities.
So a man should not indulge in drinking and other sinful pursuits at night. He says that wine
oppresses the wit as well as the very personality of a man, so should never drink. These lines
are full of true Christian as well as Islamic concepts of leading a happy life. The language used
is simple and easily understandable.

Sir Thomas Wyatt
(1503-1542)
The Lover for Shame fastness
The lover for Shame fastness is a romantic, passionate, praiseworthy and thought
provoking poem written by Thomas Wyatt. He is famous for giving the sonnet its purely
English form. He took the idea from Petrarch, who is a famous Italian sonneteer, but the
stylization of the subject is Wyatts own.
This sonnet is about the highly emotional, sentimental passion Love. The same idea is
also discussed by Surrey in his beautiful sonnet Complaint of a Lover Rebuked. The poet
seems to have gone for away on the road of love but the behavior of beloved has made his
condition miserable.
At the very start of the poem, the poet accepts the fact that the love has taken hold of his
heart and mind. Love is personified as the lovers master. It makes his appearance on his face
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and shows his occupation by waving a flag of victory on it. The poet is unable to resist the
overwhelming nature of love which is controlling all the territory of his heart and mind.
The poet says that the beloved who taught him to love and suffer is now not happy with
him. She seems to be selfish and has left him in the time of crises. She wants him to control his
passion of love now. She has rejected his expression of love disdainfully (- '-=). So the
love has retreated and has now concealed itself in lovers heart. The love is now not ready to
come out of that place at any cost.
The poet finds himself in a fix in this situation. He finds it hard to decide what to do
next. He finds his master i.e. loves fearing, may be due to its defeat. He is feeling fear as he is
rejected by his beloved, but the lover vows ('- '-'+ -) to remain faithful to his master.
He has to live and die with his master. He is determined to live a life of faithfulness because it
is best end of a faithfulls life. And such a life is worth living in the world.
To conclude, it can be said that the theme of the poem is love though Wyatt has used the
language of business and politics. This language shows that the poet is simple person and does
not know to sugar coat his feelings as lovers usually do. Compared with Surreys version,
Wyatts version lacks the artistic softness, rhythm and musicality. But in earnestness of
passion Wyatts surpasses Surreys.
Explanation with Reference to the Context
(The long lovehis banner)
(Lines 1-4)
Reference:
These lines have been taken from the poem The Lover for Sham fastness written by
Thomas Wyatt.
Context:
The poet tells that the love has taken hold of his heart and mind. It makes his
appearance on his face and shows his occupation by waving a flag of victory on it. He has
learnt the art of loving from his beloved but she is not happy with him anymore. Therefore, his
love has now concealed itself into his heart and is not ready to come out at any cost. Though
she has deceived yet he has decided to remain loyal because this is well desired virtue in love.
Explanation:
These are the opening lines of the poem. In these lines the poet says that the love has
taken complete hold of his heart and mind. It has occupied his face also and has fixed flag of
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victory there. It shows his possession and occupation of the poet. The poet from head to toe
belongs to his beloved and declares about it openly in these lines. The language of lines is
simple and straight forward. The poet expresses his feelings openly without hiding anything.
(What may I do..ending faithfully)
(Lines 12-14)
Explanation:
These are ending lines of the poem. In these lines poet shows his state of uncertainty.
He is in fix in this new situation of love. He finds it hard to decide what to do next and what
course of action to take in future. He finds his master fearing. But he is a slave of his master i.e.
love. So he has no option but to remain loyal to his master. He is so much faithful that he is
ready to die even in the slavery of his master. He is ready to do this because he thinks that
only the life of faithfulness is worth living in this world. These lines are full of passion of love.
In these lines, the poet expresses his deep involvement in the matter of love. He is straight
forward in the expression of his sentiments of love.

(2)
The Lover Despairing to Attain unto his Ladys Grace
Whose list to hind? is a subjective, pathetic, realistic, ironic and highly thought
provoking poem written by Thomas Wyatt. He is famous for giving the sonnet its purely
English form. In this sonnet, he gives his own dejected feelings regarding love to beware the
people.
The poet informs his love affair in this poem. He is continuously in love with a lady for
the last much time. But, now he realizes that it is almost impossible to get her love in response
of his love. Therefore, he finds it better to leave his invincible beloved and let his affair of love
to end.
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The poet here compares her beloved with that of a hind (-). For beauty the hind is
matchless and, therefore tempting. But, it cannot understand the feelings of love and loyalty. It
can be captured but cannot be forced to love its master. It loves to be free and has its own way.
But the hind in the present case, Anne Boleyn, was not so lucky. It was captured by worst of
hunter, King Henry VIII. She was Wyatts sweetheart. Henry married her but a year later
executed her on the charges of disloyalty and treason. This sonnet was written before Henrys
marriage with her.
The poet like an experienced hunter is ready to advice others who wants to go on the
useless hunt of that hind. But, he himself is fed up of following that beautiful hind, who is his
beloved. He is now ready to give up his useless pursuit of catching her. He feels that catching
her is like to catch wind in net. Now, he is feeling pain and trouble due to this tragic
experience. He is suffering from mental and physical torture. He gives others the example of
his own sufferings and assures other intended lovers that their efforts will also remain
fruitless. Then in the last he gives the reason of his failure. She has diamond collar around her
neck on which it is boldly engraved;
Noli me tanger; for Ceasars I am,
(Do not touch me because I am Ceasars).
Though she seems tame but actually she is not. As she herself claims;
And wild for to hold, though I seem tame.
In the end it can be said, that this sonnet is fine example of traditional emotions and
sentiments. It reflects Wyatts typical style of writing sonnets. Though it lacks the artistic
softness but the intensity of passion is quite evident and shows class of poet. In short, the
sonnet reflects a mood of bitter dejection and absolute despair.
(Whose list.come behind)
(Lines 1-4)
Reference:
These lines have been taken from the sonnet Whose List to Hunt? written by Thomas
Wyatt.
Reference:
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In this poem the poet shares his experience of love. He loves a lady but she has been
running away from him just as a wild deer runs away from a hunter. He feels himself dejected
and dead tired in the pursuit of love. He warns other intended lovers of the lady to be aware of
her that habit. He asks them to be careful about their love affair with the lady because though
the lady may seem to be tame yet she in fact is wild.
Explanation:
These are opening line of the sonnet. In these lines the poet asks if there is any hunter
who likes to get an advice about hunting from him. He informs the other hunters that there is
a female deer somewhere that can be hunted. But then the poet also gives some more details
about the matter. He tells that he himself had been hunting and following the same hind for
quite some time. But, he feels sorry to say that he has been unable to catch her. He is dead
tired now of this useless pursuit and wants to leave it. He has now realized that the pursuit
would prove in vain and useless. He feels that he never would be able to catch her and win her
heart. So he shares his own experience with other expected lovers of that lady to warn them
about her nature.
(And graven withI seem tame.)
(Lines 11-14)
Explanation:
These are last lines of the sonnet. Here in these lines, the poet tells other expected
lovers of her beloved the reason of his failure to win her. He claims that no body may win the
hind or the beloved. He says that she has an engraved diamond collar around her neck. On
which it is written in simple and plain words, Do not touch me because I am Caesars. I may
seem tame and catchable outwardly, but I am wild at the core and nobody can hold me. It is
said that these words were written at the diamond collar of Anne Boleyn. She was beloved of
the poet. That sonnet might have been about her. She was a beautiful and fair lady of those
times. The language of the lines is simple and straight forward but full of dejected feelings of
the poet.
(3)
The Lover Recounteth
The Lover Recounteth is a romantic, pathetic, and personal lyric written by Thomas
Wyatt. He was the first poet who brought poetry from imagination to reality. This particular
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ode (=) reminds us of John Donnes poem Goe and Catche a Falling Star. The theme is
same that is disloyalty of the beloved. Donnes complaint is generalized, declaring the entire
feminine sex disloyal. But, Wyatts complaint is against a particular lady.
The poem starts with a gloomy picture of a lover who falls in love with a lady. The lady
also gives him positive response. After a short time poet observes some changes in the
behavior of his beloved. The poet is shocked at these sudden changes of her behavior. She was
so warm and passionate, so sensitive and apparently so sincere that he could never imagine
that she could leave him alone. But, she did it heartlessly without a word of apology or reason.
In a state of disbelief, the poet asks the questions to himself as well as to his reader that is it
possible to happen.
The poet finds it impossible to believe that anybody can have a mind so easily
changeable as the weather and wind. It is hard to believe for the poet that the feelings
reflected through her eyes can change so quickly like a gamblers dice. The poet feels
emotionally much disturbed as he falls down from the immense height of favour. The
anguishes cries of the poet are very striking and give his state of agony.
At first, the poet is not ready to believe that anyone can change so quickly in love. But at
last he accepts the reality and declares;
All is possible
He declares that it is a knowledge that we generally get after lawfully wedding a lady. But, he
has now come to the conclusion that anything is possible.
To sum up the discussion, it can be said, that the poem is full of sorrowful and tragic
sentiments. The poem coveys deeply the unfaithful nature of beloved. The poet is direct and
upright (--'- - = `=) in his statement. The repetition of words Is it possible show
miserable condition of the poet. But the in the last the words All is possible pacify the poet.
In short, the poem is embodiment of poets sincere feelings and emotions.
Explanation with reference to context
Is it possible? That so..so late.
(Lines 1-5)
Reference:
These lines have been taken from the poem The Lover Rcounteth written by Thomas
Wyatt.
Context:
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This poem is about the disloyalty of the beloved of the poet. The poet is astonished and
sad at the sudden change of her behavour. He is shocked because he believed it was
impossible. The poet loved his beloved passionately but she left him because of her
inconsistent nature. The poet finds it hard to believe that someone in love can change so
quickly.
Explanation:
These are opening lines of the poem. Here in these lines, the poet shows his
astonishment at the sharp end of his love affair. He asks in wonder that whether is it possible
that the painful, noisy and passionate love that began so late should end so soon. It is true that
this love affair started so late but this late start should have been a guarantee for its surety,
sincerity. It should not have been so emotional and short lived when begun so late. It must go
further in strength. The language of lines is very simple and straight forward. It is just like a
self conversation which poet is doing just to make others aware about the failure of his love
affair so soon.
Is it possible? So cruel.to relent?
(Lines 6-10)
Explanation:
Here in these lines, the poet again asks the question as well as to his reader. He asks in
wonder, is it possible that such a passionate love lose its warmth and intensity so soon. He is
not ready to believe that such strong emotions of love can change into hatred so quickly.
Actually, he means to say that she was so passionate, sensitive and apparently so sincere that
he could never imagine that she can leave him alone. But, she did, heartlessly and without a
word of apology or reason. The language of lines is very simple and straight forward. It is just
like a self conversation which poet is doing just to make others aware about the failure of his
love affair so soon.
All is possible! Whose listand leave.
(Lines 26-30)
Explanation:
These are ending lines of the poem. Here in these lines the poet does not ask the
question asked by him again and again in the poem. The reason is that the poet has reached a
cool and satiric conclusion at last. He does not ask, Is it possible, rather he says, It is
possible. He further says that not only it is possible but practically everything is possible. He
says that everyone should believe in the short living of love. In the last he says that as men and
Page 18 of 28


women love each other and then marry after taking permission from the legal/religious
authority. He says that in the same, let the people of the world now that all is possible in this
world. Love is short lived and beloveds are changeable. So they must care about themselves.
The language of lines is very simple and straight forward. It is just like a self conversation
which poet is doing just to make others aware about the failure of his love affair so soon.
(4)
The Lover Beseecheth His Mistrees
The Lover Beseecheth His Mistrees is a passionate and pathetic appeal of Thomas
Wyatt to his beloved. Wyatt is famous for giving the sonnet its purely English form and
transforming the world of fantasy into reality.
In this particular sonnet, the poet has expressed his sincere and devoted emotions of
love for his beloved. The beloved has started to suspect his true love without any solid proof.
The lover strongly pleads her never to forget him as their love is tested one.
Then the poet reminds her painful stages of his love. Before the achievement of love his
life was colourless and weary. He was not guided in that field so she must remember the
difficult journey through which he had to travel from the beginning of love. He says that she
also does not forget the hardships, cruelties and criticism which he received in regard to love.
He has suffered all this to get positive response from her. Again and again the words,
Forget not yet show his emotional injured feelings and highlight his request also. He cannot
force her but what he can do to protect his love is to request her again and again. The poet also
asks her that she should also keep in mind the long duration for which his mind remained
undivided and sincere. He always remained steadfast in her love despite of the fact that a long
time has taken to prove his loyalty.
In the last stanza, the poet requests her not to forget that once you also loved her
passionately. She should not forget the one whose love she has found always loyal and
everlasting. He was the one who has never even thought of leaving her despite of all her
cruelties.
In the end, one thing is quite clear that the poet is still loyal. But, the irony lies in the fact
that the beloved has proved disloyal after attesting his love. He is still determined not to
change his love. He wants equal response from her. Love is believed to be double edged game
but the poets love is one sided.
Page 19 of 28


In short, in beautiful lyrics Thomas Wyatt has expressed the real, genuine and heartfelt
emotions. The poet has artistically described the hypocrisy of his age. The language is simple,
nice, straightforward and easily understandable. The style of the poem is frank. He has used
politics and business language instead of the soft sweet diction of love.
Forget not yet.spent, forget not yet!
(Lines 1-4)
Reference:
These lines have been taken from the poem Forget not yet written by Thomas Wyatt.
Context:
This poem is a passionate and pathetic appeal of the beloved to consider his case of love
in the light of that what he has done and suffered for her. The poet requests her not to forget
all his hardships that he has suffered for her on the path of love. He asks her not forget his
sincere and devoted love for her as it has been tested and approved by her. He is not ready to
leave her despite her cruelness and unfaithfulness.
Explanation:
These are opening lines of the poem. Here in these lines, the poet asks his beloved not
forget his time tested and examined love for her. He has given his most devoted and sincere
love to her. Though, he has to suffer a lot for her love yet he has given all his feelings of love to
her with a glad and happy heart. Therefore, the beloved has no right to reject his time tested
love for her. The language of lines is simple and full of emotional feelings of the poet for his
beloved. The message is conveyed by Thomas Wyatt in his own straightforward style.
Forget not yet the great..forget not yet1
(Lines 9-12)
Explanation:
In these lines, the poet requests his beloved not to forget his love and troubles he has
suffered during the course of the love. She should not forget his earlier struggle when his love
was still to be proved and confirmed. Many misunderstandings were born in between them.
He has to conquer all his feeling of disgust and anger to prove his sincere love for her. He has
to wait patiently for her response during her delay in accepting his love. The poet asks her not
Page 20 of 28


to forget all this rather remember while considering his case of love. The language of lines is
simple and full of emotional feelings of the poet for his beloved. The message is conveyed by
Thomas Wyatt in his own straightforward style.
(5)
The Faith is Dead
Critical appreciation
The Faith is Dead is a shocking, sincere and true cynic ( -) poem by Thomas
Wyatt. Wyatt is famous for giving the sonnet its purely English form and transforming the
world of fantasy into reality. The poet feels that the old trust enjoyed by him in love is
shattered by the beloved. She seemed to have turned away her heart to somebody else. So, he
finds no other way except to leave her unfaithful love and bade her farewell.
The poem opens with the shocking treatment of a lover. He says that he cannot appeal
to her anymore for loving him because she has broken the trust between both of them. She has
disregarded his true and steadfast love. She has shown her double heartedness. He feels
himself unable to say anything because, Faith is Dead. But, he can never be a hypocrite like
her as it is against his nature.
Then he reminds her promises which they made to each other. They promised to
remain loyal to each other. But, now, he feels that her love is shared by someone else also and
he is not ready to accept this. For that reason he is ready to say her good bye. His faithfulness
and single-mindedness has made him strong enough to take such a daring step. Hence, he is
ready to leave the unkind and unjust beloved.
The poet claims that he always obeyed whatever she has demanded. But, he is now
deceived and cheated by the beloved. The result is that he bids her farewell unkissed which is
sign of love. The poet sensing the betrayal of his beloved expresses his own decision in
forceful words. Wyatt being an artist was more sensitive and passionate. That is why his
reaction to disloyalty was always more violent and unpleasant.
In the end, it can be said that this poem is a nice and sublime picture of heart-felt grief
and sadness of the poet at the double-heartedness of his beloved. In spite of being an angry
outburst there is a strange touch of softness in the style. The rhyme scheme is ababbcc. In
short, the lyrics are true feelings of the poet which show his class as a poet.
What should I say.nayl Mistress.
Page 21 of 28


(Lines 1-7)
These lines have been taken from the poem What should I say? written by Thomas
Wyatt.
Context:
In this poem, the poet describes that due to some uncertain reasons on the part of his
beloved the trust of love between him and his beloved has broken. So, he bids farewell his
beloved because he believes that love is a two-end game and reciprocal sentiment. No doubt
he still loves her but it is useless to confess as she has double heart and she has changed her
standpoint. Therefore, he has decided to leave her.
Explanation:
These are opening lines of the poem. Here in these lines, the poet shows his surprise to
show his heart feelings to double hearted beloved. She, once, loved him but due to undefined
and unclear reasons she has changed her standpoint in love. The trust between them has
shattered and broken. The love between them has mysteriously disappeared. It is true but it is
impossible for the poet to believe on such shocking news. He asks the mistress to attest the
news if that is true. Should he also play double heartedness in love? No, he is not ready to fall
to that cheap level of human nature, where men or women change their beloveds. In short,
these are true feelings of a straightforward and a simple person who always remains loyal to
only one person in love.
Explanation:
Can you say nay..farewell, unkist!
(Lines 22-28)
Explanation:
These are concluding lines of the poem. Here in these lines the poet asks his unfaithful
beloved that if she can deny the fact that once she made a promise to remain steadfast and
over-obedient in poets love. But, she has not fulfilled her promise and has changed her
standpoint in love. As a result, the poet feels cheated and deceived. So, the poet has decided to
say good-by forever to such an unkind lady. He is going to leave her for good (-' ---),
unkissed, though in a non-pleasant mood. These lines are full of anger and pathos. The poet in
straightforward manner describes his heart feelings.

Page 22 of 28


(6)
The Lady to Answer Directly with Yea or Nay
Critical appreciation
The Lady to Answer Directly with Yea or Nay is a short but sublime, passionate
poem by Thomas Wyatt. Wyatt is famous for giving the sonnet its purely English form and
transforming the world of fantasy into reality. Actually, it is a request by the poet to his
beloved in shortest possible words to confirm her love for him.
In the very start of the poem, the poet asks his beloved in a very respectable manner to
answer his pleading. The poet, appeals his beloved to answer him directly, in one word Yes
or No, she loves him or not. He wants a straightforward answer for his pleadings. He says to
his beloved, that if she says Yes he would be pleased and if she says No they would be just
friends.
Being a sincere and straightforward person, he does not like to be kept in suspense.
Love is a matter of heart. It does not require long and deliberate thinking. There is no room for
wait-and-watch, or for bargaining. Therefore, he asks for a straightforward yes or no. He does
not want a lengthy arguments to support yes or does not want explanations in the answer
No. He wants a frank answer from his beloved. He wants to be clear about their relationship.
He wants to be confirmed that whether they are in love or they are just friends. The poet is
very curious and wants to know the reality of their relationship.
The poet is restless and wants to be sure about his relationship. He wants to know true
feelings of his beloved towards him. He does not call her disloyal. It seems that he does not
believe that she has got another lover. He rather seems to think that she would look for
another man only after she is disappointed with him. But, at the same time he is not bounding
her to himself only. He has given her a free choice to answer in yes or no. But, he wants a
serious answer from her in only yes or No to settle the matter once for all, so that both of
them will free to search for their lovers in future.
To conclude, it can be said, that the poet is in love with his beloved but is not sure of her
love for him. It is a sincere and straightforward appeal of the poet to his beloved. The rhyme
scheme is abab (alternating rhyming). The diction is simple and meaning quite clear.
Page 23 of 28


Madam, without.or no.
(Lines 1=-2)
Reference:
These lines have been taken from the poem Madam, without many words written by
Thomas Wyatt.
Context:
In this poem the poet asks his beloved to answer him whether she really love him or
not. He asks for a simple and straight forward answer in short possible words. He asks her to
answer him in Yes or No. He wants to know nature of their relationship. If she loves him
then he will be happy but if she does not love him they will remain only friends and will free to
fall in love with anybody.
Explanation:
These are opening lines of the poem. Here in the very start of the poem, the poet asks
his beloved a direct question. He says that she must answer about the love either in Yes or in
No. The poet wants to be sure about the feelings of his beloved about him. He wants to know
whether she loves him or not. He wants to know her true feelings about him. For that he
demands a straightforward answer in shortest possible words. In short, it is a sincere and
straightforward appeal of the poet to his beloved.
And if of one,yea or nay.
(Lines 6-8)
Explanation:
Here in these lines, the poet wishes to get clear cut answer from his beloved about their
relationship. He is burning in love and is very sentimental and passionate in it. So he requests
her to have pity on him and answer him in shortest possible words of yes or no. He wants to
be clear in love so that he can make a planning for future in love. In short, it is a sincere and
straightforward appeal of the poet to his beloved.
You shall anotherno more.
(Lines 11-12)
Explanation:
Page 24 of 28


These are concluding lines of the poem. The poet asks his beloved to answer him plainly
and in friendly manner whether she loves him or not. If she answers in negative, both would
have free course of their action in future. Both would be free to have their love partner. The
beloved would find another lover for her. Similarly, the poet would also be free to find another
beloved of his choice. Though, he would not consider her lover yet they will remain friends as
before. In short, it is a sincere and straightforward appeal of the poet to his beloved.

(7)
The Lover Showeth How He is Forsaken
The Lover Showeth How He is Forsaken is a sublime, pathetic and thought provoking
poem written by Thomas Wyatt. Wyatt is famous for giving the sonnet its purely English
form and transforming the world of fantasy into reality. This poem has dual meanings. The
start of the poem suggest that it is a complaint of the poet against his friends but the later part
shows that it is a complaint against his beloved.
Actually, the poem starts with a metaphor that is equally applicable to love and
politics. The opening lines give a metaphor of timid wild animals. They were timid and took
food from poets hand but now they have changed their approach. Now they have again
become wild and have run away from him. The word They in the opening lines refers to his
political allies as well as his beloved.
The poet reminds his friends and his beloved the time when they loved him very much.
They were so respectful to him that they entered his room gently and with naked feet. They
didnt want to disturb him. But, now the time has changed. They have forgotten the how they
loved to take every risk to enjoy his favour. The poet says that they now have gone out of his
control and looking for new love in this ever changing world.
In the stanza number 2 and 3 the scene of love making narrows the meaning of They
to womankind. Now the theme changes and it is now fickleness of women. These two stanza
make it clear for whom the metaphor of tamed half-wild creature applies to. The second
stanza gives a sensual scene of love making. This scene of sweet surrender is contrasted with
the present break away of the mistress, with the pathetic note of regret,
But all is turned now through my gentleness
Into a bitter fashion of forsaking.
Page 25 of 28


The poem ends on to a note of revenge. The words How like you this are actually
words of revenge, thrown on the unkind mistress.
In the end it can be said that the poem is a pathetic, passionate and sad complaint of the
poet against the cruel behaviour of his beloved and his political allies. The poet remembers his
glory as courtier and in love and feel sad. The rhyme scheme is ababbcc. The musical effect of
the poem is remarkable. The tonal quality varies in each stanza. The difficult rhyme scheme in
the last stanza enhances the mood of frustration and anguish.

They flee from me..in continual change.
(Lines 1-7)
Reference:
These lines have been taken from the poem They flee from me written by Thomas
Wyatt.
Context:
In this poem the poet complains against the behaviour of his political allies as well as
his beloved. The poem highlights his pathetic situation being left alone by his beloved. He tells
us that there was a time when his beloved was deeply evolved with him. She enjoyed all the
benefits of his high social position but now she has left him alone. He reminds her all those
love making moments that she had with him. He feels sad to remember all those marry
making activities.
Explanation:
In these lines the poet condemns his political allies. There was time when they
loved him and respect him very much. They entered his home bare footed. They want to
disturb him. They were ready to take any risk to receive his favour. But, now they have gone
out of his control. They are now free of his control and are in search of new love in ever
changing world. Actually, the poem starts with a metaphor that is equally applicable to love
and politics. The opening lines give a metaphor of timid wild animals. They were timid and
took food from poets hand but now they have changed their approach. Now they have now
again became wild and have run away from him. The word They in the opening lines refers
to his political allies as well as his beloved.
Page 26 of 28


It was no dream.now deserved?
(Lines 15-21)
Explanation:
In these lines, the poet refers to the sweetest memorable event of his past life and
claims to its reality. It was not dream because he was lying wide awake. But, because of his
tender attitude now everything has changed. His beloved has cruelly forsaken him. He has also
let her kindly free so that she may find new love and try her tricks on him. Since, she has
treated him harshly the poet considers his right to ask her what she thinks of this nice little
piece of verse. The poem ends on to a note of revenge. The words How like you this are
actually words of revenge, thrown on the unkind mistress.
(8)
Songs and Epigrams
Of The Mean and sure Estate
Of The Mean and sure Estate is sublime, pathetic and highly thought provoking
sonnet written by Thomas Wyatt. Wyatt is famous for giving the sonnet its purely English
form and transforming the world of fantasy into reality. This sonnet actually is an advice to
readers who want to live a court life.
Common man envied the court life but he is not aware of all the troubles and hardships
that a court man has to suffer. Here, in courts the jealousies, conspiracies, insults and injuries
are more abundant than anywhere else. If the monarch is happy with you, you will be
favoured heavily but if he gets angry with you then there is no guarantee of your life. The
favours of the monarchs may turn into his anger on slightest mistakes also. Hence, it is painful
life for a sensitive man with a sound conscience.
This poem expresses the similar feelings. Wyatt belonged to the court of King Henry
VIII. Here, he fully experienced the pains and pleasures. On the base of all his experiences of
court life he draws some conclusions and prefers to live a life of a common man.
The poet compares the court life with a slippery wheel of high status. He says that if
anyone wants to ride on this slippery wheel let him does so but let him to live a humble and
quite life. He wants to live every part of his life according to his own will. He wants to pass his
time in a hidden place without being known in the kings court. According to him, the wanton
Page 27 of 28


( '-'-- - = --= '= ) toys of the court give only monetary pleasure but not the honour.
Therefore, it is better to live a life away from the noises and toils (-'= --=- -=-) of court. In
the end he wishes to die like a common man after spending his life quietly.
In the end it can be said that the poem shows Wyatts feelings of intense dislikeness for
the court life. He was an artist and did not have temperament of courtiers. He was a free soul
and also did not have mean and selfish nature like courtiers. Quiet naturally sometimes his
feelings of strong hatred burst out in the form of verses. He is not ready to live a life like that
and wants to live a quiet and calm life just like a common man. In short, the poem is
remarkable having a note of rebellion against the atmosphere in which Wyatt had to live.
Stand who so..here rejoice.
(Lines 1-4)
Reference:
These lines have been taken from the poem Stand Who So List written by Thomas
Wyatt.
Context:
The poet asks is there anyone who wants to have a word of advice from him. He advises
others to live a quite, calm and peaceful life. He says dont be deceived by the life of courtiers.
The court life is full of conspiracies and hardships. He advises to live a life of a common man if
someone really likes to enjoy life to its full. Those who do not know the realities of court life
envied it but the realties are bitter. Hence he advises the people to live and die like a common
man worth desirable even for him
Explanation:
These are opening lines of the poem. Here in these lines the poet asks if there is
anybody busy in courtier life would have some words of advice from him. He wants to share
his personal experience about the court life. The court life is full of noise and hustle and bustle.
It is also full of hardships. Its pleasures are mixed with sadness and grief. So a courtier should
hear the poets advice carefully. He should act upon the nice and sublime advice of the poet
with any hesitation. The language of the lines is simple, straightforward and easily
comprehendible.
In hidden places.common trace.
Page 28 of 28


(Lines 5-7)
Explanation:
In these lines, the poet tells us a secret of spending a successful life. He says that secret
of successful life lies in a secretly-passed silent and contented life. He wishes to pass his life in
a far-off place, hidden place, where nobody comes into contact with him and he comes into
contact with anybody. He wishes to pass a silent, undisturbed and contented life at such a
place. He also wishes to die at the same place leaving no footprints on sand of time. He wants
to pass a secluded ( - -'-) life and wants to meet an unwept and unsung death. The
language of the lines is simple, straightforward and easily comprehendible.

Notes MA English Part 1, Surray and Wyatt

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