Leave me o love
by
Philip Sidney
.jpg "Leave me o love")
Introduction to Sir Philip Sidney
Sir Philip Sidney, born on November 30, 1554, in Penshurst, Kent, England, was not only a distinguished poet but also a scholar and a prominent figure in the Elizabethan era. His life and works continue to resonate through English literature, reflecting his profound impact on the Renaissance period.
Early Life and Family Background
Philip Sidney was the eldest son of Sir Henry Sidney, who served as the Lord Deputy of Ireland, and Lady Mary Dudley, whose brother was Robert Dudley, the influential Earl of Leicester. Growing up in a noble family, Sidney received an excellent education that shaped his intellectual pursuits and future career.
Education and Literary Beginnings
Sidney's early education was extensive and rigorous, reflecting his family's commitment to scholarship. He attended the Shrewsbury School and later Oxford University, where he excelled in classical studies and literature. These formative years laid the foundation for his deep engagement with poetry and writing.
Diplomatic Career and Political Involvement
At a young age, Sidney embarked on a diplomatic career that showcased his skills beyond literature. In 1577, he was appointed as an ambassador to the German Emperor and the Prince of Orange, a role that highlighted his political acumen and strategic thinking. His mission, ostensibly to offer condolences, also aimed to explore alliances for the Protestant cause, reflecting his fervent beliefs.
Literary Achievements and Contribution to English Literature
Despite his diplomatic responsibilities, Sidney's true passion lay in literature. He is celebrated for his significant contributions to English poetry, particularly through his sonnets and the influential work, Astrophil and Stella. Sidney's poetic style combined classical influences with innovative forms, contributing to the development of English Renaissance literature.
Personal Beliefs and Cultural Impact
Sidney's life was marked by a strong sense of morality and religious conviction. His Protestant faith influenced both his diplomatic actions and literary works, which often explored themes of love, honor, and virtue. His writings resonated deeply with his contemporaries and continue to inspire scholars and poets alike.
Legacy and Historical Significance
Sir Philip Sidney's untimely death in 1586 at the age of 31 cut short what could have been an even more illustrious career. However, his impact on English literature and culture endured. His works inspired generations of poets and playwrights, influencing the development of English poetry and drama during the Renaissance and beyond.
Sir Philip Sidney's poem "Leave Me O Love":
Poem:
"Leave Me O Love" by Sir Philip Sidney
Leave me, O Love which reachest but to dust
And thou, my mind, aspire to higher things;
Grow rich in that which never taketh rust;
Whatever fades but fading pleasure brings.
In this quatrain (a stanza of four lines), Sidney expresses a desire to move beyond earthly love, which is temporary ("reachest but to dust"). He urges his mind to seek higher, more enduring things that enrich the soul and do not decay like material pleasures.
Draw in thy beams, and humble all thy might
To that sweet yoke where lasting freedoms be;
Which breaks the clouds, and opens forth the light,
That doth both shine, and give us sight to see.
Here, Sidney advises his mind to focus on the gentle and liberating influence of true love ("that sweet yoke where lasting freedoms be"). This love, he suggests, clears away confusion ("breaks the clouds") and brings clarity and understanding ("opens forth the light").
O take fast hold; let that light be thy guide
In this small course which birth draws out to death,
And think how evil becometh him to slide,
Who seeketh heaven, and comes of heavenly breath.
Sidney concludes by urging his mind to grasp onto this guiding light of true love. He reflects on the fleeting nature of life ("this small course which birth draws out to death") and emphasizes the importance of staying true to heavenly ideals despite life's challenges.
Explanation:
Sir Philip Sidney's sonnet "Leave Me O Love" explores themes of love, spirituality, and the pursuit of higher ideals. In the poem, Sidney uses vivid imagery and metaphorical language to convey his philosophical reflections.
First Stanza:
Sidney begins by addressing love ("Leave me, O Love") as something that only reaches the material ("but to dust"). He encourages his mind to seek things of greater value that do not fade over time.
Second Stanza:
He advises his mind to focus on a love that brings lasting freedom and clarity ("draw in thy beams... where lasting freedoms be"). This love is portrayed as a source of light that dispels darkness and allows true understanding.
Third Stanza:
Sidney urges his mind to hold onto this guiding light throughout life's journey ("take fast hold; let that light be thy guide"). He emphasizes the importance of staying true to heavenly aspirations despite the challenges of earthly existence.
The Theme
Theme of this poem is not only about human love .