Poetry · Chapter
A Demand explained
The speaker, presumably a poet, demands that 'Dear Mat' fulfill a promise to paint a picture in exchange for a payment in rhyme.
What happens
The speaker, presumably a poet, demands that 'Dear Mat' fulfill a promise to paint a picture in exchange for a payment in rhyme. The speaker accuses Mat of breaking a contract, being stingy, and lacking generosity, threatening to raise a clamor among the Muses on Parnassus if the debt is not paid.
Themes in this chapter
Art and Criticism
The poem centers on a promised artwork (a painting) and critiques the artist's failure to deliver, while also dismissing critics who praise foreign art.
Deception and Self-Deception
The speaker accuses Mat of fibbing and breaking a contract, highlighting themes of broken promises and self-justification.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“You promised to paint me a picture, Dear Mat, And I was to pay you in rhyme.”
You agreed to create a painting for me, Mat, and I would compensate you with a poem.
Establishes the central agreement and the speaker's expectation.
“If you had been Eve and I Adam You’d have given me naught but the core, And little of that.”
If you were Eve and I were Adam, you would have given me only the apple core, and barely any of that.
Uses the biblical story to illustrate Mat's perceived stinginess.
“But why should I sail o’er the ocean For Landseers and Claudes? I’ve a notion All’s bad that the critics belaud. I wanted a Mat.”
Why should I travel across the sea for paintings by Landseer or Claude? I think everything praised by critics is bad. I wanted a painting by you, Mat.
Expresses preference for Mat's art over famous artists, dismissing critical acclaim.