THE TRUE BEAUTY

 

THE TRUE BEAUTY

            “THE TRUE BEAUTY” is the title of a very short poem written by the English poet Thomas  Carew (1595 –22 March 1640). He was born in West Wickham, United Kingdom, and died in London.  By occupation, he  was  one of the four cavalier poets, the remaining three being Robert Herrick, Richard Lovelace and Sir John Suckling  who were courtiers.   They all supported King Charles 1 during the English Civil War (1642-1651). The king himself took interest in fine arts and supported poets. His opponents were called Roundheads who supported Parliament.

                Cavalier poets celebrated “beauty, love, nature, sensuality, drinking, good fellowship, honour and social life.” For them each day of life was most important, as if it was the last day , and had to be enjoyed as much as possible.

                     Thomas Carew’s  poem reads as follows:

 THE TRUE BEAUTY

He that loves a rosy cheek

Or a coral lip admires

Or from star-like eyes doth seek

Fuel to maintain his fires;

As old Time makes these decay,

So his flames must waste away.

 

But a smooth and steadfast mind,

Gentle thoughts and calm desires,

Hearts with equal love combined,

Kindle never-dying fires-----

Where these are not, I despise

Lovely cheeks or lips or eyes.

 

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G. R. Kanwal

30.06.2023