The Faerie Queene · Chapter
Sonnet I explained
The poet addresses Sir Christopher Hatton, Lord Chancellor of England, drawing a parallel between ancient Roman statesmen who balanced grave affairs with poetic leisure and Hatton's own heavy responsibilities.
What happens
The poet addresses Sir Christopher Hatton, Lord Chancellor of England, drawing a parallel between ancient Roman statesmen who balanced grave affairs with poetic leisure and Hatton's own heavy responsibilities. He suggests that Hatton, like Ennius and Virgil before him, may find respite in these idle rhymes, which may gain favor through their dedication to him.
Key passages
“Those prudent heads, that with their counsels wise Whylom the pillours of th’earth did sustaine, And taught ambitious Rome to tyrannise And in the neck of all the world to rayne;”
Those wise leaders who once upheld the world with their advice and taught ambitious Rome to dominate and rule over all nations.
The poet compares ancient Roman statesmen to pillars supporting the earth, emphasizing their role in establishing Rome's imperial power.
“So you, great Lord, that with your counsell sway The burdeine of this kingdom mightily, With like delightes sometimes may eke delay The rugged brow of carefull Policy;”
So you, great Lord, who powerfully guide the heavy burden of this kingdom, may also sometimes use similar pleasures to ease the stern face of anxious statecraft.
The poet directly addresses Hatton, suggesting he too can find relief from political cares through poetic enjoyment.