To Anthea, who may command him anything

Robert Herrick's To Anthea, who may command him anything

To fully appreciate "To Anthea," we must first understand the context in which it was written. Robert Herrick (1591-1674) was a 17th-century English poet who lived during a period of great social and political upheaval. The English Civil War loomed, a conflict that would deeply divide the nation. Herrick, an ordained priest and a staunch Royalist, found himself caught in the crossfire of these turbulent times. His poetry, however, often reflects a retreat from the political turmoil, focusing instead on themes of love, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life – themes central to the Cavalier poets, a group known for their elegant and often lighthearted verse.

"To Anthea" is believed to have been written in the early 1640s, a time when Herrick was living in Devonshire after being removed from his parish by the Puritan government. This period of exile may have intensified his longing for love and beauty, emotions that are palpable in the poem.

Unpacking the Poem: A Close Reading

The poem is structured as a series of commands and declarations, with the speaker expressing his complete submission to Anthea's will. Each stanza begins with "Bid me," followed by an action that the speaker is willing to undertake at her behest. This repetitive structure emphasizes the speaker's unwavering devotion and highlights the power Anthea holds over him.

Stanza 1: A Protestant for Love

Bid me to live, and I will live
Thy Protestant to be:
Or bid me love, and I will give
A loving heart to thee.

The opening lines immediately establish the central theme of the poem: the speaker's absolute devotion to Anthea. He declares his willingness to live or die, to embrace any belief system ("Thy Protestant to be"), all at her command. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, where the speaker repeatedly places himself at Anthea's mercy. The use of the word "Protestant" is particularly interesting in the context of Herrick's time. As a devoted Royalist and Anglican priest, his willingness to become a Protestant for Anthea suggests the extent of his love transcends even his deeply held religious beliefs.

Stanza 2: A Heart Unsurpassed

A heart as soft, a heart as kind,
A heart as sound and free,
As in the whole world thou canst find,
That heart I'll give to thee.

Here, the speaker describes the heart he offers to Anthea. It is a heart filled with positive qualities: "soft," "kind," "sound," and "free." He believes this heart to be the best she could possibly find, further emphasizing the depth of his love and devotion.

Stanza 3: Obedience and Surrender

Bid that heart stay, and it will stay,
To honour thy decree:
Or bid it languish quite away,
And't shall do so for thee.

The speaker's submission to Anthea's will continues in this stanza. He is prepared for his heart to either remain steadfast in its love or to "languish quite away," depending on her desire. This complete surrender of his emotions to Anthea's control highlights the power dynamics in their relationship.

Stanza 4: Eternal Devotion

Bid me to weep, and I will weep,
While I have eyes to see:
And having none, yet I will keep
A heart to weep for thee.

This stanza introduces the theme of eternal devotion. Even if he were to lose his physical ability to weep, the speaker declares that he would still "keep / A heart to weep for thee." This suggests that his love for Anthea transcends the physical realm and will endure even after death.

Stanza 5: Life and Death in Her Hands

Bid me despair, and I'll despair,
Under that cypress tree:
Or bid me die, and I will dare
E'en death, to die for thee.

The cypress tree, a traditional symbol of mourning and death, reinforces the speaker's willingness to embrace any fate, even death, at Anthea's command. This stanza further emphasizes the extreme lengths to which he is willing to go for her love.

Stanza 6: The Culmination of Devotion

Thou art my life, my love, my heart,
The very eyes of me:
And hast command of every part,
To live and die for thee.

The final stanza serves as a culmination of the speaker's declarations of love and devotion. Anthea is not just his love, but his "life," his "heart," and the "very eyes" through which he sees the world. This hyperbole emphasizes her complete control over his being. He reiterates his willingness to "live and die for thee," solidifying the theme of ultimate surrender to her will.

Literary Devices: The Artistry of Language

Herrick masterfully employs various literary devices to enhance the poem's emotional impact and create a sense of lyrical beauty.

• Repetition: The repetition of "Bid me" at the beginning of each stanza creates a rhythmic effect and emphasizes the speaker's unwavering obedience to Anthea.
• Anaphora: The repeated use of "A heart" in the second stanza further emphasizes the qualities of the heart the speaker offers.
• Imagery: The image of the "cypress tree" evokes a sense of mourning and death, adding depth to the speaker's declaration of willingness to die for Anthea.
• Hyperbole: The exaggerated statements, such as "Thou art my life, my love, my heart, / The very eyes of me," heighten the emotional intensity of the poem and emphasize the speaker's complete devotion.

Themes: Love, Devotion, and Mortality

"To Anthea" explores several interconnected themes:

• Unconditional Love: The poem is a powerful expression of unconditional love. The speaker's willingness to do anything for Anthea, even to the point of death, highlights the depth and intensity of his feelings.
• Submission and Devotion: The speaker's repeated declarations of obedience and surrender to Anthea's will emphasize the theme of complete devotion. He places himself entirely under her control, highlighting the power dynamics in their relationship.
• Mortality: The poem also touches upon the theme of mortality. The speaker's willingness to die for Anthea and the image of the cypress tree serve as reminders of the fleeting nature of life and the enduring power of love.

Emotional Impact: A Timeless Appeal

"To Anthea" continues to resonate with readers centuries after it was written due to its universal themes and emotional depth. The poem's exploration of unconditional love, devotion, and mortality taps into fundamental human experiences. The speaker's fervent declarations of love, his willingness to sacrifice everything for Anthea, and his poetic language create a powerful emotional impact that transcends time and cultural boundaries.

Conclusion: A Testament to Enduring Love

"To Anthea, Who May Command Him Anything" is a masterful example of Cavalier poetry, combining elegant language, vivid imagery, and profound emotion. Herrick's skillful use of literary devices and his exploration of universal themes create a poem that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. The speaker's unwavering devotion to Anthea, his willingness to live and die for her, and his poetic expressions of love continue to captivate readers, making this poem a timeless testament to the enduring power of human connection.

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