When I Was Fair and Young by Queen Elizabeth I: Summary, Analysis & Themes

"When I Was Fair and Young" by Queen Elizabeth I is a reflective poem that captures the themes of pride, regret, and the transient nature of youth and beauty. Written by one of the most powerful monarchs in history, this poem provides a rare glimpse into her personal sentiments and emotional introspection. Queen Elizabeth I writes of her youthful arrogance and how she scorned the affections of many admirers, only to later experience regret after being humbled by Cupid, the god of love. The poem's timeless themes and historical significance make it a poignant exploration of vanity and remorse.

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When I Was Fair and Young

When I was fair and young, then favor graced me.
Of many was I sought their mistress for to be.
But I did scorn them all and answered them therefore:
Go, go, go, seek some other where; importune me no more.

How many weeping eyes I made to pine in woe,
How many sighing hearts I have not skill to show,
But I the prouder grew and still this spake therefore:
Go, go, go, seek some other where; importune me no more.

Then spake fair Venus’ son, that proud victorious boy,
Saying: You dainty dame, for that you be so coy,
I will so pluck your plumes as you shall say no more:
Go, go, go, seek some other where; importune me no more.

As soon as he had said, such change grew in my breast
That neither night nor day I could take any rest.
Wherefore I did repent that I had said before:
Go, go, go, seek some other where; importune me no more.

Audio Recital

Amtant5365 · “When I Was Fair And Young” by Queen Elizabeth I - Read By Abby Tant

Summary of “When I Was Fair and Young”

The poem recounts Queen Elizabeth I’s reflection on her youthful pride and the consequences of her disdain for love. In her youth, many suitors sought her affection, but she arrogantly dismissed them with the repeated refrain, "Go, go, go, seek some other where; importune me no more." She takes pride in the power she held over their emotions, oblivious to the pain she caused. However, Cupid, the god of love, intervenes, warning her that her pride will lead to regret. His words come true as she begins to feel an internal transformation, experiencing sleepless nights and sorrow over her past actions. She repents for her arrogance but cannot undo the past.

1. Youthful pride: The speaker reflects on a time when her beauty and charm attracted many admirers, but she dismissed them with scorn.
2. Impact on others: She acknowledges the emotional pain she caused to those who sought her affection.
3. Cupid’s intervention: The god of love, offended by her arrogance, vows to humble her, which he accomplishes by instilling regret in her heart.
4. Regret and transformation: The speaker comes to regret her past actions and suffers emotional turmoil as a result.

Analysis of “When I Was Fair and Young”

This poem explores the themes of vanity, love, and the inevitable passage of time. Queen Elizabeth I uses her personal experience as a lens to examine the consequences of pride and the fleeting nature of youthful beauty. The repetition of the refrain emphasizes her dismissive attitude and highlights the contrast between her youthful arrogance and later remorse. Cupid's role in the poem adds a mythological dimension, symbolizing the power of love to humble even the proudest hearts. Through this narrative, the queen reflects on the pain of regret, illustrating how pride can lead to isolation and inner turmoil.

The poem’s structure, with its steady rhythm and refrain, mirrors the speaker’s repetitive dismissal of suitors and her subsequent obsessive regret. The shift in tone from haughty confidence to heartfelt remorse underscores the emotional journey from youthful defiance to mature introspection. By personifying love as Cupid, the poem conveys the universality of its themes, suggesting that even a monarch is not immune to the trials of love and the lessons it imparts. The simplicity of the language contrasts with the depth of its emotional resonance, making the poem accessible and impactful.

1. Themes of pride and regret: The poem contrasts the speaker’s youthful arrogance with her later remorse, highlighting the consequences of vanity.
2. Symbolism of Cupid: Cupid’s intervention symbolizes the humbling power of love and its ability to teach important lessons.
3. Emotional transformation: The speaker’s journey from pride to repentance illustrates the emotional impact of regret.

Themes in “When I Was Fair and Young”

The poem delves into themes of vanity, regret, and the humbling power of love. The speaker's youthful pride, driven by her beauty and desirability, leads her to dismiss her admirers without consideration for their feelings. This vanity is ultimately punished by Cupid, who teaches her that pride can lead to sorrow and isolation. The theme of regret is central to the poem, as the speaker reflects on the emotional consequences of her past actions. Additionally, the poem touches on the transient nature of beauty and the inevitability of change, as the speaker recognizes the fleeting power of her youthful charm.

1. Vanity and pride: The speaker’s youthful arrogance and disdain for love highlight the dangers of vanity.
2. Regret and humility: The poem illustrates the emotional toll of regret and the lessons it brings.
3. Fleeting nature of beauty: The speaker’s reflection underscores the transient power of youth and physical charm.

Structure of “When I Was Fair and Young”

The poem consists of four stanzas, each with four lines, employing a simple and consistent rhyme scheme (ABCB). The repetition of the refrain, "Go, go, go, seek some other where; importune me no more," creates a rhythmic and lyrical quality that emphasizes the speaker’s dismissive attitude. This refrain also serves as a structural and thematic anchor, contrasting the speaker’s initial confidence with her later regret. The use of direct and conversational language makes the poem accessible while enhancing its emotional impact. The steady rhythm and symmetrical structure mirror the speaker’s repetitive actions and eventual introspection.

1. Quatrain structure: The poem’s four-line stanzas provide a compact and focused exploration of the themes.
2. Refrain for emphasis: The repeated refrain underscores the speaker’s initial arrogance and its transformation into regret.
3. Consistent rhyme scheme: The ABCB pattern enhances the poem’s musical quality and mirrors its reflective tone.