To the Ladies Who Saw Me Crown’d
To the Ladies Who Saw Me Crown’d - context Summary
Crowned at Leigh Hunt's Dinner
This sonnet commemorates a playful, convivial moment at Leigh Hunt’s dinner where Keats was crowned with a laurel wreath. Addressing the women present, the speaker lists rival natural beauties—moon halos, roses, April tears—but insists the wreath of bay is supremely lovely because it marks poetic recognition. The poem turns a social honor into a graceful tribute, ending by offering deferential praise to the ladies who witnessed the crowning.
Read Complete AnalysesWhat is there in the universal earth More lovely than a wreath from the bay tree? Haply a halo round the moon–a glee Circling from three sweet pair of lips in mirth; And haply you will say the dewy birth Of morning roses–riplings tenderly Spread by the halcyon’s breast upon the sea– But these comparisons are nothing worth. Then is there nothing in the world so fair? The silvery tears of April?–Youth of May? Or June that breathes out life for butterflies? No–none of these can from my favorite bear Away the palm; yet shall it ever pay Due reverence to your most sovreign eyes.
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