Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

“Some blaze the precious beauties of their loves” is a sonnet written by John Davies, an English poet and lawyer born in 1569. The poem was published in 1599 as part of Davies’ collection of sonnets called “The Poems of John Davies, of Hereford, with His Life by Himself”.

The poem begins with a comparison between a “flattering picture” and a true portrait of the beloved. Davies argues that some poets exaggerate the beauty of their loves in their poems, while he will be honest and present his love as she truly is, with all her imperfections. He goes on to say that, despite her flaws, his love is still worthy of praise and admiration.

The poem is written in sonnet form, with fourteen lines and a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. Davies also uses alliteration, such as “precious beauties” and “flattering picture”, to add emphasis to his words. The poem’s theme of honesty and true love is a common one in Davies’ works, and this particular sonnet serves as an example of his dedication to authenticity and realism in his poetry.