To the Author of a Sonnet, Beginning, ‘
To the Author of a Sonnet, Beginning, ‘ - meaning Summary
Mocking a Dull Sonnet
Byron's poem playfully scorns another poet's gloomy sonnet, arguing its sadness is excessive and its wit lacking. The speaker expresses pity for both the writer and any reader unlucky enough to revisit the lines. He claims the verses are readable once but wear out quickly, neither tragic nor amusing, and concludes with a teasing sting: true suffering would come from having to read them again.
Read Complete AnalysesThy verse is ‘sad’ enough, no doubt: A devilish deal more sad than witty! Why we should weep I can’t find out, Unless for thee we weep in pity. Yet there is one I pity more; And much, alas! I think he needs it; For he, I’m sure, will suffer sore, Who, to his own misfortune, reads it. Thy rhymes, without the aid of magic, May once be read – but never after: Yet their effect’s by no means tragic, Although by far too dull for laughter. But would you make our bosoms bleed, And of no common pang complain – If you would make us weep indeed, Tell us, you’ll read them o’er again.
March 8, 1807
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