Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"On a Fair Beggar" is a poem by Philip Ayres that was first published in 1687. The poem explores the theme of appearance versus reality, as the speaker describes a beggar who is outwardly beautiful but inwardly corrupt.

Philip Ayres was an English poet and writer who lived from 1638 to 1712. He was a member of the Royal Society and wrote several works of poetry and prose throughout his career. Ayres was known for his satirical and humorous writing style, which often explored social and political issues of the time.

The poem is structured in three stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza introduces the central theme of the poem, describing the beggar as "fair" and "comely," with a "cheek like the rose." The following stanzas describe the beggar's inner corruption, noting how she is deceitful and manipulative.

Throughout the poem, Ayres' language is poetic and evocative, using vivid imagery and metaphor to convey the complexities of appearance versus reality. The opening lines, "On a fair beggar should I waste a groat, / When lords and ladies huff it in a coach," immediately capture the reader's attention, setting the tone for the rest of the work.

The poem's theme of appearance versus reality is particularly prominent. The speaker notes how the beggar is outwardly beautiful, but inwardly corrupt, describing how "Her eyes like lightning in a winter night, / Shot sudden flames of anger, love, and spite." This image suggests that the beggar is capable of great emotion and passion, but that these emotions are not genuine or sincere.

At the same time, the poem also explores the idea that outward appearances can be deceiving. The final stanza notes how "In vain she labour'd to support her pride, / For never was a beggar more despised." This image suggests that despite the beggar's outward beauty, her inner corruption ultimately leads to her downfall.

Overall, "On a Fair Beggar" is a thought-provoking and powerful work of poetry that explores the complexities of appearance versus reality. Through its vivid imagery, powerful language, and masterful structure, it conveys a sense of the profound ways in which our perceptions of others can be shaped by outward appearances, while also acknowledging the importance of looking beneath the surface to see the true nature of things.

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