A Farewell to Arms (poem) facts for kids
| To Queen Elizabeth | |
| by George Peele | |
Portrait of Sir Henry Lee of Ditchley, in whose honor Peele wrote A Farewell to Arms
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| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Series | Polyhymnia |
| Form | Sonnet |
| Meter | Iambic pentameter |
| Rhyme scheme | ABABCC |
| Publication date | 1590 |
A Farewell to Arms is a special poem written by George Peele. It is the last part of a collection of poems called Polyhymnia. Peele wrote this poem for the Accession Day tilt of 1590. This was a knightly tournament held on Queen Elizabeth I's special day.
The poems before this one described knights fighting in the tournament. They didn't say who won. A Farewell to Arms celebrates Sir Henry Lee as he retired. Sir Henry Lee was the Queen's Champion. He had been the Queen's Champion for a long time, possibly since 1559. In 1590, a new champion, the Earl of Cumberland, took his place.
About the Poem
This poem is a sonnet, which is a poem with 14 lines. It talks about getting older and leaving a special job. Sir Henry Lee was a brave knight who served Queen Elizabeth I. This poem shows his feelings as he steps down from being her champion.
The poem uses beautiful language to describe how time changes things. It also shows Sir Henry Lee's strong loyalty to the Queen. Even though he is getting old, his heart remains true to her.
My golden locks Time hath to silver turnd.
O Time too swift, O swiftness never ceasing!
My youth 'gainst time and age hath ever spurnd,
But spurnd in vain. Youth waneith by increasing.
Beauty, strength, youth, are flowers but fading seen,
Duty, faith, love, are roots, and ever green.
My Helmet now shall make a hive for bees
And lovers' sonnets turne to holy Psalms.
A man at Armes must now serve on his knees,
And feed on pray'rs, that are Age his alms.
But though from Court to Cottage I depart,
My Saint is sure of mine unspotted heart.
And when I saddest sits in homely cell,
I'll teach my Swaines this Carrol for a song.
Blest be the hearts that wish my Sovereigne well,
Curs'd be the souls that thinke her any wrong.
Goddess, vouchsafe this aged man his right
To be your Beadsman now that was your knight.—George Peele, Polhymnia, 17 November 1590.
Sir Henry Lee's Retirement
Sir Henry Lee was a very important knight. He was the Queen's Champion for many years. This meant he would fight in special tournaments to honor the Queen. He was a symbol of her strength and power.
In 1590, Sir Henry Lee decided to retire. This poem was written to mark this important event. It was a way to thank him for his long service. It also showed respect for his decision to step down.
His retirement was a big moment at the Queen's court. The poem captures the feelings of someone leaving a life of action. It talks about moving to a quieter life. But it also stresses that his loyalty to the Queen will never change.
