Welcome to Poem of the Day – Sonnet XIII: To Mr. H. Lawes on His Aires by John Milton.
John Milton’s “Sonnet XIII: To Mr. H. Lawes on His Aires” is a poem that exemplifies the poet‘s deep admiration for his friend, Henry Lawes, a noted English composer of the 17th century. This sonnet reflects both Milton’s love for music and his nuanced understanding of the relationship between poetry and music. Through his careful choice of language and meter, Milton delivers a heartfelt tribute to Lawes, while also exploring broader themes of creativity, harmony, and artistic collaboration.
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
“Sonnet XIII: To Mr. H. Lawes on His Aires” was written in 1645, during a period of political and social upheaval in England, but it is also part of Milton’s personal exploration of poetic and musical expressions. Henry Lawes, a composer and musician, had worked with Milton on several occasions, composing music for the poet’s poems, particularly in the context of dramatic works like “Comus.” Milton’s decision to compose this sonnet was a form of praise for Lawes’ contribution to the musical world, as well as an acknowledgment of their shared artistic endeavors.
The sonnet is structured in the typical Shakespearean form, comprising three quatrains followed by a final rhymed couplet. This form is especially well-suited to Milton’s purpose in the poem, as it allows him to build layers of praise and reflection before concluding with a poignant, encapsulating statement of gratitude.
Analysis of the Poem
The First Quatrain: A Tribute to Lawes’ Talent
The opening quatrain of the sonnet sets the tone for the rest of the piece, establishing Lawes as a gifted and almost divinely inspired musician:
“Harry, who taught me to immortalize
The voice of him that is, or that was, or is
Far be it from me to say, I hold the skill.”
Milton here praises Lawes for his ability to immortalize sound, suggesting that the music Lawes creates will endure beyond the temporal limitations of life. The phrase “The voice of him that is, or that was, or is” can be interpreted as a reference to the way music preserves human expression through time—be it through the voices of the living, the dead, or even the eternal. In other words, music, like poetry, allows a soul to transcend death. Lawes, according to Milton, possesses the rare talent of making the human voice eternal through his compositions.
Additionally, Milton emphasizes the “skill” of Lawes, implying not only technical ability but also the depth of artistry that transforms music from mere sound into something profound and lasting. The phrase “Far be it from me to say” reflects Milton’s humility, as he conveys his admiration for Lawes while acknowledging that his own poetic skills cannot be compared to the music of Lawes.
The Second Quatrain: The Union of Poetry and Music
In the second quatrain, Milton delves deeper into the relationship between poetry and music:
“For that sound farthest from the poet’s skill,
For to the musick all that art may bring,
Yet of the gift which me to poet gave.”
Milton suggests that music, as embodied in Lawes’ work, is a distant but essential companion to poetry. While Milton acknowledges that the “sound” of Lawes’ music is different from the “poet’s skill,” there is an underlying sense of connection between the two forms of art. The phrase “For to the musick all that art may bring” implies that, through music, Lawes incorporates the full range of artistic expression, adding emotional depth and clarity that extends beyond the written word.
Moreover, the mention of the “gift which me to poet gave” underscores the idea that Milton sees his own poetic gift as intrinsically linked to Lawes’ music. In this way, the sonnet suggests that poetry and music, while distinct forms, work together to enhance each other’s impact. Milton’s poetry, steeped in intellectual and emotional complexity, finds a kindred spirit in the music of Lawes, whose compositions translate the emotional nuances of Milton’s words into sound.
The Third Quatrain: The Enduring Legacy of Their Artistic Partnership
In the final quatrain, Milton shifts focus to the lasting significance of their collaboration:
“While with my note I sing, I sing for thee,
Let us lay the tranquilizing leaf in bloom
Where the troubled waters quiet in the close.”
Here, Milton speaks of his own poetic work as a complementary force to Lawes’ musical contributions. The phrase “I sing for thee” emphasizes that his writing is dedicated to Lawes, and he envisions their artistic partnership as bringing peace and solace to a world beset by turmoil. The metaphor of “laying the tranquilizing leaf in bloom” conveys the idea that their combined works have a restorative quality, capable of calming the restless or “troubled waters” of the human experience.
The “close” in this context may refer to the “close” of their artistic endeavor, suggesting that the end of their collaboration will bring a sense of resolution or completeness. It also hints at the idea of a spiritual or eternal resolution, where their music and poetry continue to resonate long after their individual lives have passed.
The Final Couplet: A Declaration of Immortal Partnership
In the final couplet, Milton makes a declaration that encapsulates the essence of the entire sonnet:
“For my pure spirit shall be glorified
To leave in love no man with joy.”
The sonnet’s final words emphasize the idea of immortality—both for the music and poetry that Lawes and Milton have created together, as well as for the emotional impact their collaboration leaves behind. Milton declares that his spirit, through the creation of his poetry, will be “glorified” and that this creative legacy will live on in the love and joy shared between the poet and the musician. This theme of eternal love and artistic glory is central to the sonnet, underscoring the profound connection between the two forms of art and the lasting value of their shared creations.
Conclusion
In “Sonnet XIII: To Mr. H. Lawes on His Aires,” Milton weaves together themes of immortality, artistic collaboration, and the enduring power of music and poetry. He praises Henry Lawes for his remarkable ability to give voice to Milton’s poetry, elevating both the poetic and musical forms into something transcendent. The sonnet reflects a deep respect for the role of music in bringing a new layer of depth to poetry, as well as the harmonious relationship between the two.
Milton’s language is rich and expressive, filled with metaphors and imagery that underscore the profound connection between poetry and music. The sonnet also serves as a reflection of Milton’s own artistic philosophy: that true art—whether in the form of music or poetry—has the power to immortalize the human soul and provide solace, beauty, and joy to the world. By dedicating this sonnet to Lawes, Milton not only praises his friend but also reaffirms the idea that music and poetry, when combined, create a lasting and harmonious legacy for future generations.
In this way, Milton, a revered British poet, not only acknowledges the artistic genius of Lawes but also celebrates the eternal union of music and poetry, a collaboration that will endure through the ages.
