The Faerie Queene · Chapter
Sonnet XII explained
The poet addresses Sir Francis Walsingham, comparing him to Maecenas, the patron of Virgil, and seeks his patronage for this humble Muse, promising that if granted, the poet may later sing his praises in grander verse.
What happens
The poet addresses Sir Francis Walsingham, comparing him to Maecenas, the patron of Virgil, and seeks his patronage for this humble Muse, promising that if granted, the poet may later sing his praises in grander verse.
Key passages
“That Mantuane Poets incompared spirit, Whose girland now is set in highest place, Had not Mecaenas, for his worthy merit, It first advaunst to great Augustus grace, Might long perhaps have lien in silence bace, Ne bene so much admir’d of later age.”
The incomparable spirit of the Mantuan poet (Virgil), whose laurel is now exalted, would have long lain in base silence and not been so admired by later ages if Maecenas had not first advanced him to the favor of great Augustus.
The poet invokes the classical precedent of Virgil's rise through patronage to frame his own appeal.
“This lowly Muse, that learns like steps to trace, Flies for like aide unto your Patronage, That are the great Mecaenas of this age, As wel to al that civil artes professe, As those that are inspir’d with Martial rage.”
This humble Muse, who tries to follow in those same footsteps, seeks similar aid from your patronage, for you are the great Maecenas of this age, both to those who practice the civil arts and those inspired with martial fury.
The poet directly compares Walsingham to Maecenas, emphasizing his role as a patron of both peaceful arts and military endeavors.
“And craves protection of her feeblenesse: Which if ye yield, perhaps ye may her rayse In bigger tunes to sound your living prayse.”
And she begs protection for her weakness: if you grant it, perhaps you may raise her to sing your living praise in grander songs.
The poet promises that if Walsingham grants his protection, the Muse will later celebrate him in more elevated verse.