by Keats · Cluster: Unrequited Frustrated Love · Unattainable Beloved · Petrarchan Sonnet
Abstract
A sonnet personifying Fame as a coy, jilting gipsy-girl who shuns those who court her; reflection on the artist, ambition and the elusiveness of poetic renown.
Connections
Topoi: Combat Strife Themes & Concepts: Ambition, Artist and Society Forms & Genres: Sonnet Historical References: Bible
Testo integrale / Full text
I
Fame, like a wayward Giri, will still be coy
To those who woo her with too slavish knees,
But makes surrender to some thoughtless boy.
And dotes the more upon a heart at ease;
She is a Gipsey, will not speak to those
Who have not learnt to be content without her;
A Jilt, whose ear was never whisper’d close,
Who thinks they scandal her who talk about her;
A very Gipsey is she, Nilus-born,
Sister-in-law to jealous Potiphar;
10
Ye lovesick Bards, repay her scorn for scorn,
Ye Artists lovelorn, madmen that ye are!
Make your best bow to her and bid adieu,
Then, if she likes it, she will follow you.