Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"On the Earl of Essex" is a poem by Henry King, an English poet and bishop who lived in the 17th century. The poem is an elegy for Robert Devereux, the 2nd Earl of Essex, who was a prominent military commander and courtier in the reign of Elizabeth I. Essex was later executed for treason in 1601, after leading a failed rebellion against the Queen's government.

The poem begins with an invocation to the Muses, asking them to help the poet lament the death of Essex. The poet then describes Essex's heroic qualities and his accomplishments on the battlefield, as well as his charm and wit in courtly settings. The poem also touches on the political tensions and intrigues that surrounded Essex during his life, and laments the tragic end to his career.

The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABABCC. The structure consists of three stanzas, each with six lines. The first two lines of each stanza describe Essex's virtues, while the next two lines describe his downfall. The final two lines of each stanza express the poet's lament for Essex's death and his hope for a better life in the afterworld.

Overall, "On the Earl of Essex" is a powerful elegy that reflects the political and cultural context of the Elizabethan era, and highlights the complex and often tragic lives of the people who inhabited that world.