Sir Thomas Wyatt: Poems Summary

Sir Thomas Wyatt: Poems Summary

Short Summaries

They Flee From Me: a ballad detailing the abandonment of a friend by first a lady, then a group of associates. The song deals with the complex social relationships within the court of King Henry VIII.

Whoso List To Hunt?: a sonnet translated from Petrarch. The poem utilizes the metaphor of hunting to reflect on the narrator's unsuccessful pursuit of a lady already claimed by another.

Farewell, Love : a sonnet which uses the personification of Love to clarify the narrator’s rejection of his unsuccessful suit.

Forget Not Yet: a song of warning indicating that the betrayal of the narrator will have consequences.

My Galley Charged: a sonnet translated from an original by Petrarch. The poem uses the metaphor of a tempestuous sea voyage to highlight his loss of faith.

My Lute, Awake: a song calling upon the lute to assist the narrator in the futile attempt to gain his audience’s attention and understanding.

What No, Perdie: a rondeau expressing the frustration of a narrator rejected by a former lover.

Lux, My Fair Falcon: an epigram that uses the metaphor of falconry to express the frustration of friendships that fail at a simple challenge.

Blame Not My Lute: ballad highlighting that the messenger is not responsible for the harshness or cruelty of the communication made.

And Wilt Thou Leave: a song expressing frustration at a lover being forsaken.

My Heart I Gave Thee: a sonnet that expresses the futility of trusting an inconstant lover.

Divers Doth Use: a sonnet explaining the various ways in which men react to unfaithful women.

I Find No Peace: a sonnet translated from Petrarch, which uses extremes from the emotional and physical world to illustrate the effects of love and loss.

The Lively Sparks: a sonnet explaining the intensity of the light of his lady’s eyes and a warning of the effects of the bewitchment.

Madam, Withouten Many Words: a song whose lyrics express a curt resignation from the affections of a lady, should the gentleman’s suit be refused.