To Anthea, who may Command him Anything, Robert Herrick: Summary, Analysis & Themes

Robert Herrick's poem "To Anthea, who may Command him Anything" is a beautiful expression of love and devotion. In this poem, the speaker declares his unwavering commitment to Anthea, willing to live, love, weep, or even die for her at her command. The poem is filled with heartfelt emotions and emphasizes the speaker's deep affection and loyalty.

"To Anthea, who may Command him Anything" Poem Text by Robert Herrick

Bid me to live, and I will live
Thy protestant to be;
Or bid me love, and I will give
A loving heart to thee.

A heart as soft, a heart as kind,
A heart as sound and free,
As in the whole world thou canst find,
That heart I'll give to thee.

Bid that heart stay, and it will stay,
To honour thy decree;
Or bid it languish quite away,
And 't shall do so for thee.

Bid me to weep, and I will weep,
While I have eyes to see;
And having none, yet I will keep
A heart to weep for thee.

Bid me despair, and I'll despair,
Under that cypress tree;
Or bid me die, and I will dare
E'en death, to die for thee.

Thou art my life, my love, my heart,
The very eyes of me;
And hast command of every part,
To live and die for thee.

Quick Facts

Summary of "To Anthea, who may Command him Anything" by Robert Herrick

In "To Anthea, who may Command him Anything," Robert Herrick portrays a speaker who is entirely devoted to his beloved Anthea. The poem consists of a series of declarations in which the speaker pledges to obey any command Anthea gives, whether it is to live, love, weep, despair, or even die for her. The speaker's devotion is absolute, and he expresses his willingness to perform any task, no matter how challenging, to demonstrate his love and loyalty.

Each stanza of the poem reinforces the idea that Anthea has complete control over the speaker's actions and emotions. The speaker’s willingness to live and die for Anthea highlights the intensity of his feelings and his readiness to sacrifice everything for her. The poem is a powerful expression of unconditional love and devotion.

Critical Analysis of "To Anthea, who may Command him Anything" by Robert Herrick

Robert Herrick's "To Anthea, who may Command him Anything" is a passionate declaration of love and devotion. The poem is structured around a series of commands that the speaker imagines Anthea giving him, to which he responds with complete obedience and willingness to comply. The repetition of "Bid me" at the beginning of several stanzas emphasizes the speaker's readiness to do anything for his beloved.

The language of the poem is simple yet powerful, conveying deep emotions through straightforward expressions of love and loyalty. The use of imagery, such as "cypress tree" to symbolize despair or mourning, and "the very eyes of me" to represent the beloved's significance in the speaker's life, adds depth to the poem. Herrick's use of rhyme and meter gives the poem a musical quality, enhancing its emotional impact.

Overall, "To Anthea, who may Command him Anything" is a timeless exploration of love and devotion, capturing the essence of romantic commitment in a way that resonates with readers across generations.

Themes in "To Anthea, who may Command him Anything" by Robert Herrick

• Devotion: The poem is a testament to the speaker's unwavering devotion to Anthea, emphasizing his willingness to obey any command she gives.
• Love: The speaker expresses deep love for Anthea, describing her as the center of his life and the one who commands his actions and emotions.
• Loyalty: The poem highlights the speaker's loyalty to Anthea, as he pledges to follow her wishes, no matter how difficult or demanding they may be.
• Sacrifice: The speaker's readiness to die for Anthea illustrates the theme of sacrifice, showing how love can inspire individuals to give up everything for their beloved.

Literary Devices in "To Anthea, who may Command him Anything" by Robert Herrick

• Repetition: The repetition of "Bid me" emphasizes the speaker's willingness to comply with Anthea's wishes.
• Imagery: Herrick uses imagery, such as "cypress tree" and "the very eyes of me," to convey the depth of the speaker's emotions.
• Rhyme: The poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme, adding to its musical quality and enhancing its emotional impact.
• Metaphor: The speaker metaphorically refers to Anthea as his life, love, and heart, highlighting her importance in his life.

Stylistic Analysis of "To Anthea, who may Command him Anything" by Robert Herrick

Robert Herrick’s style in "To Anthea, who may Command him Anything" is characterized by its heartfelt tone and rhythmic structure. The poem’s use of repetition and rhyme creates a musical quality that underscores the speaker’s devotion to Anthea. Herrick’s choice of simple, yet powerful language allows the emotional intensity of the poem to shine through.

The structure of the poem, with its regular rhyme scheme and meter, gives it a sense of order and harmony, reflecting the speaker's desire to please Anthea. The poem’s use of imagery and metaphor adds depth to the speaker's expressions of love and loyalty, making it a compelling and memorable declaration of devotion.

Overall, Herrick’s stylistic choices in "To Anthea, who may Command him Anything" contribute to the poem's enduring appeal. The combination of repetition, imagery, and metaphor creates a powerful and emotionally resonant portrayal of love and devotion.