Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"On Mr. Francis Beaumont (Then Newly Dead)" by Richard Corbet, an English poet and bishop who lived in the 16th and 17th centuries.  is a poem mourning the death of the English playwright Francis Beaumont who had recently passed away at the time of Richard Corbet's writing. The poem is structured as a series of rhetorical questions, with each question highlighting a different aspect of Beaumont's life and accomplishments.

The poem begins with the speaker recalling the many great things that he had witnessed at the Mermaid Tavern, a famous gathering place for literary figures in London. In the first stanza, Corbet asks if Beaumont's death has caused a gap in the world of literature, wondering who will now fill his shoes as a writer of such great talent. In the second stanza, Corbet asks if the Muses themselves mourn Beaumont's death, noting that they must be sad to lose such a gifted poet. 

In the third stanza, Corbet turns his attention to Beaumont's character, asking if he was a man of noble birth or wealth, or if his true greatness came from within. In the fourth stanza, Corbet acknowledges that death comes for everyone, no matter how great, but wonders why it had to come for Beaumont at such a young age.

Finally, in the last stanza, Corbet offers a tribute to Beaumont's memory, acknowledging that while he may be gone, his legacy lives on in his writings. The poem ends with a call to future generations to read and remember Beaumont's works, ensuring that his memory will never be forgotten.

The poem is written in rhyming couplets, with a regular meter that creates a smooth and flowing rhythm. The use of repetition in the first line, with the phrase "What things have we seen," helps to emphasize the importance and impact of the events that the speaker is recalling. Overall, the poem is a touching tribute to a talented writer who left behind a lasting legacy in English literature.

Overall, "On Mr. Francis Beaumont (Then Newly Dead)" is a touching tribute to a great writer who left the world too soon. Corbet's use of rhetorical questions and poetic language serves to elevate Beaumont's memory and ensure that his legacy lives on.

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