A Song (‘Ask me no more where Jove bestows’), Thomas Carew

Introduction: The Elegant Wit of Thomas Carew

Welcome to your study notes for "A Song (‘Ask me no more where Jove bestows’)" by Thomas Carew. This poem is a brilliant example of 17th-century lyric poetry. While Carew is often grouped with the "Cavalier Poets" (who were known for their polished, courtly style), this poem is studied here as part of the Metaphysical Poets section. This is because it uses clever logic, "conceits" (elaborate metaphors), and scientific/philosophical ideas to praise a lady’s beauty.

In this poem, the speaker addresses someone (perhaps a curious observer or a rival) and explains that all the beautiful things in nature—roses, snow, starlight—don't actually disappear when they fade. Instead, they "recollect" themselves in his mistress. Think of it as the ultimate compliment: "The world isn't losing its beauty; it's just moving into you."

Section 1: Structure and Form (AO2)

The structure of this poem is very regular and musical, which is why it is titled "A Song."

• The Stanzas: The poem consists of five stanzas, each four lines long (quatrains).
• Rhyme Scheme: Each stanza follows an AABB rhyme scheme. These are "rhyming couplets." This creates a sense of balance and finality—each stanza feels like a complete, polished thought.
• Rhythm: The poem is written in iambic tetrameter (four "da-DUM" beats per line). This gives it a light, dancing quality, perfect for a song to be performed at court.
• The Repetitive Opening: Every stanza begins with the phrase "Ask me no more." This is a rhetorical device called anaphora. It makes the speaker sound confident and authoritative, as if he has the "answer" to the mysteries of the universe.

Key Takeaway: The rigid, musical structure reflects the order and perfection the speaker sees in his mistress.

Section 2: Language and Imagery (AO2)

Carew uses Metaphysical conceits—surprising and complex comparisons—to describe the lady. He takes elements of the natural world and "re-centers" them in her body.

Stanza 1: The Roses and Jove

The speaker asks where the "roses" go when summer ends. He claims they aren't dead; they are "bestowed" (placed) in the lady's "orient" (glowing or precious) cheeks. He mentions "Jove" (Jupiter, the king of the Roman gods), suggesting that the lady’s beauty is divinely protected.

Stanza 2: The Snow and the Bosom

Where does the "fading snow" go in winter? The speaker says it settles in the lady's "divine/White-powdered" bosom. This is a classic Petrarchan image (comparing skin to snow), but Carew adds a Metaphysical twist by suggesting the lady is the original source where the snow returns to stay warm.

Stanza 3: The Nightingale and the Voice

When the "nightingale" stops singing in May, its songs don't vanish. They are kept in the lady's throat. Her voice is the "winter home" for all the beautiful music in the world.

Stanza 4: The Stars and the Eyes

The "stars" that seem to fall from the sky are actually fixed in her "eyes." They don't burn out; they just relocate to a more beautiful "sphere."

Stanza 5: The Phoenix and the Soul

The "phoenix" is a mythical bird that dies in fire and is reborn from its own ashes. The speaker says the phoenix builds its "spicy nest" in the lady's "balmy gum" (perfumed breath or essence). This is the highest compliment: she is the site of eternal life and rebirth.

Memory Tip: Use the acronym R.S.N.S.P. to remember the five images: Roses, Snow, Nightingale, Stars, Phoenix.

Section 3: Context — The Cavalier and the Metaphysical (AO3)

Understanding the "why" behind the poem helps you score higher in AO3. Here are the key contextual factors:

• The Caroline Court: Thomas Carew was a courtier to King Charles I. His poetry reflects the sophistication and luxury of the royal court. This is "Cavalier" poetry—it is elegant, smooth, and focuses on beauty and love.
• Neoplatonism: This was a popular philosophy at the time. It suggested that physical beauty on earth is a reflection of divine, spiritual beauty. By praising the lady's physical features, Carew is also suggesting she has a "divine" soul.
• Metaphysical Influence: Even though Carew is a Cavalier, he was heavily influenced by John Donne. You can see this in the logical way he builds his argument. He isn't just saying she is pretty; he is using a "pseudo-scientific" explanation to prove where natural elements go.
• Classical Allusions: References to "Jove" and the "Phoenix" show off Carew's education and the Renaissance interest in Greek and Roman mythology.

Key Takeaway: The poem is a bridge between the intellectual wit of the Metaphysicals (like Donne) and the graceful elegance of the Cavaliers.

Section 4: Different Interpretations (AO5)

In your exam, you need to show that the poem can be read in different ways. Consider these perspectives:

1. The Sincere Tribute

One reading is that this is a genuine expression of adoration. The speaker truly believes that the lady is the "center of the world." By the end of the poem, she is no longer just a woman but a sacred space where the mythical Phoenix lives. It is a poem of total devotion.

2. The Performance of Wit

Another interpretation is that the poem is less about the lady and more about the speaker's own cleverness. In the competitive environment of the royal court, poets wrote to impress each other. The logic is so elaborate and "cool" that it might feel detached or artificial. Is he in love with her, or is he just showing off how many metaphors he can juggle?

3. The Objectification of Beauty

A modern critic might argue that the lady is depersonalized. She is broken down into body parts (cheeks, bosom, throat, eyes). She doesn't speak or act; she is simply a "container" for nature’s beauty. In this view, she is an object to be admired and categorized rather than a human being.

Quick Review: Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Mistake: Thinking "Jove" is a real person.
  Correction: Jove is Jupiter, the Roman god. Carew uses this to give the poem a grand, epic feel.
• Mistake: Ignoring the title "A Song."
  Correction: Always mention the musicality, the rhythm, and the rhyme. This poem was meant to be heard, not just read silently.
• Mistake: Forgetting the Phoenix.
  Correction: The Phoenix is the most important image because it moves the poem from "nature" to the "supernatural." It's the climax of his praise.

Final Thought: Don't worry if the language feels old-fashioned. Just remember the central argument: the speaker is "solving" the mystery of where beauty goes by pointing directly at the woman he loves.