The Passionate Pilgrim By: William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
The Passionate Pilgrim by William Shakespeare is a remarkable collection of poetry that showcases the versatility and genius of the renowned playwright and poet. Although it is a relatively short work, each poem within the book encompasses a depth of emotion and a richness of language that captivates and enthralls the reader from beginning to end. The poems in The Passionate Pilgrim encompass a wide range of themes, all intricately connected by the common thread of love and desire. Shakespeare brilliantly explores the enigmatic nature of love, often presenting it through contrasting perspectives such as the ecstasy of young love against the disillusionment that comes with experience. He delves into the complexities of attraction and the powers it holds over individuals, highlighting the transformative and sometimes destructive effects it can have. What truly distinguishes The Passionate Pilgrim is Shakespeare’s masterful command over language. His verses are a symphony of words, each carefully chosen to evoke vivid imagery and stir up a multitude of emotions. The lines flow effortlessly, creating rhythm and music that resonate in the reader's mind long after the words have been consumed. Furthermore, Shakespeare's intricate use of metaphors and wordplay adds layers of depth to each poem, making them a delight to dissect and analyze. The variety of poetic forms employed in The Passionate Pilgrim showcases Shakespeare’s versatility as a poet. From sonnets to ballads, each piece possesses a unique structure that reflects the overall tone and mood of the poem. Whether it is the graceful elegance of a sonnet or the raw energy of a ballad, Shakespeare deftly utilizes these different forms to amplify the emotions and themes explored in each individual piece. While The Passionate Pilgrim is undeniably a masterpiece, it is important to note that some of the poems within the collection are not originally written by Shakespeare, but rather attributed to him in later editions. This revelation, however, does not take away from the overall brilliance of the book. Shakespeare's touch is evident in the majority of the poems, and his skillful editing and arrangement of these works into a cohesive whole is commendable. In conclusion, The Passionate Pilgrim is a gem in Shakespeare's repertoire that should not be overlooked. Its compact yet exquisite collection of poems resonates with readers of all ages and continues to showcase the enduring power of Shakespeare's words. This book is a must-read for poetry enthusiasts and admirers of Shakespeare alike, serving as a testament to his lyrical genius and the timeless nature of his art. First Page: THE PASSIONATE PILGRIM by William Shakespeare I. Did not the heavenly rhetoric of thine eye, 'Gainst whom the world could not hold argument, Persuade my heart to this false perjury? Vows for thee broke deserve not punishment. A woman I forswore; but I will prove, Thou being a goddess, I forswore not thee: My vow was earthly, thou a heavenly love; Thy grace being gain'd cures all disgrace in me. My vow was breath, and breath a vapour is; Then, thou fair sun, that on this earth doth shine, Exhale this vapour vow; in thee it is: If broken, then it is no fault of mine. If by me broke, what fool is not so wise To break an oath, to win a paradise? II. Sweet Cytherea, sitting by a brook With young Adonis, lovely, fresh, and green, Did court the lad with many a lovely look, Such looks as none could look but beauty's queen. She told him stories to delight his ear; She show'd him favours to allure his eye; To win his heart, she touch'd him here and there: Touches so soft still conquer chastity. But whether unripe years did want conceit, Or he refus'd to take her figur'd proffer, The tender nibbler would not touch the bait, But smile and jest at every gentle offer: Then fell she on her back, fair queen, and toward; He rose and ran away; ah, fool too froward! III... Continue reading book >>

The Passionate Pilgrim By: William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

The Passionate Pilgrim by William Shakespeare is a remarkable collection of poetry that showcases the versatility and genius of the renowned playwright and poet. Although it is a relatively short work, each poem within the book encompasses a depth of emotion and a richness of language that captivates and enthralls the reader from beginning to end.

The poems in The Passionate Pilgrim encompass a wide range of themes, all intricately connected by the common thread of love and desire. Shakespeare brilliantly explores the enigmatic nature of love, often presenting it through contrasting perspectives such as the ecstasy of young love against the disillusionment that comes with experience. He delves into the complexities of attraction and the powers it holds over individuals, highlighting the transformative and sometimes destructive effects it can have.

What truly distinguishes The Passionate Pilgrim is Shakespeare’s masterful command over language. His verses are a symphony of words, each carefully chosen to evoke vivid imagery and stir up a multitude of emotions. The lines flow effortlessly, creating rhythm and music that resonate in the reader's mind long after the words have been consumed. Furthermore, Shakespeare's intricate use of metaphors and wordplay adds layers of depth to each poem, making them a delight to dissect and analyze.

The variety of poetic forms employed in The Passionate Pilgrim showcases Shakespeare’s versatility as a poet. From sonnets to ballads, each piece possesses a unique structure that reflects the overall tone and mood of the poem. Whether it is the graceful elegance of a sonnet or the raw energy of a ballad, Shakespeare deftly utilizes these different forms to amplify the emotions and themes explored in each individual piece.

While The Passionate Pilgrim is undeniably a masterpiece, it is important to note that some of the poems within the collection are not originally written by Shakespeare, but rather attributed to him in later editions. This revelation, however, does not take away from the overall brilliance of the book. Shakespeare's touch is evident in the majority of the poems, and his skillful editing and arrangement of these works into a cohesive whole is commendable.

In conclusion, The Passionate Pilgrim is a gem in Shakespeare's repertoire that should not be overlooked. Its compact yet exquisite collection of poems resonates with readers of all ages and continues to showcase the enduring power of Shakespeare's words. This book is a must-read for poetry enthusiasts and admirers of Shakespeare alike, serving as a testament to his lyrical genius and the timeless nature of his art.

First Page:

THE PASSIONATE PILGRIM

by William Shakespeare

Did not the heavenly rhetoric of thine eye, 'Gainst whom the world could not hold argument, Persuade my heart to this false perjury? Vows for thee broke deserve not punishment. A woman I forswore; but I will prove, Thou being a goddess, I forswore not thee: My vow was earthly, thou a heavenly love; Thy grace being gain'd cures all disgrace in me. My vow was breath, and breath a vapour is; Then, thou fair sun, that on this earth doth shine, Exhale this vapour vow; in thee it is: If broken, then it is no fault of mine. If by me broke, what fool is not so wise To break an oath, to win a paradise?

II.

Sweet Cytherea, sitting by a brook With young Adonis, lovely, fresh, and green, Did court the lad with many a lovely look, Such looks as none could look but beauty's queen. She told him stories to delight his ear; She show'd him favours to allure his eye; To win his heart, she touch'd him here and there: Touches so soft still conquer chastity. But whether unripe years did want conceit, Or he refus'd to take her figur'd proffer, The tender nibbler would not touch the bait, But smile and jest at every gentle offer: Then fell she on her back, fair queen, and toward; He rose and ran away; ah, fool too froward!

III... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Poetry

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