Poetry · Chapter
XXI explained
The poet sits in a May grove, moved by the nightingale's mournful song, and reflects on the fickleness of fortune and the rarity of true friendship.
What happens
The poet sits in a May grove, moved by the nightingale's mournful song, and reflects on the fickleness of fortune and the rarity of true friendship. He contrasts the bird's solitary grief with the indifference of nature and society, lamenting that flatterers vanish when prosperity fades, while a faithful friend shares in sorrow.
Themes in this chapter
Truth and Deception
The poet distinguishes between flattering foes and faithful friends, emphasizing the deceit of those who only appear loyal in prosperity.
Beauty and Transience
The fleeting nature of fortune and the ephemeral joy of the May setting contrast with the enduring sorrow of the nightingale and the poet.
Characters to notice
- Philomela
The nightingale, whose mournful song and pierced breast symbolize the poet's own sorrow and isolation.
- King Pandion
Mentioned as dead, representing the loss of all who once cared for the nightingale.
- Fortune
Personified as fickle, smiling then frowning, causing the poet's and the nightingale's downfall.
Key passages
“Words are easy, like the wind; Faithful friends are hard to find”
Promises are cheap and fleeting, but true loyalty is rare.
The poet underscores the difficulty of discerning genuine friendship from empty flattery.
“If that one be prodigal, Bountiful they will him call, And with such-like flattering, 'Pity but he were a king'”
If someone is generous with their wealth, people flatter them and wish they were royalty.
Critique of sycophants who praise the spendthrift for their own gain.