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Cover of Speculum Amantis: Love Poems, from Rare Songbooks and Miscellanies of the Seventeenth Century

Speculum Amantis: Love Poems, from Rare Songbooks and Miscellanies of the Seventeenth Century

Written by Unknown author

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English poetryLove poetry, EnglishCivilization, Modern

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About this book

"Speculum Amantis" by A. H. Bullen is a collection of love poems compiled from rare songbooks and miscellanies of the seventeenth century. This anthology, likely written in the late 19th century, focuses on the romantic themes and poetic styles prevalent during that era, showcasing a variety of poets and their works. The collection aims to capture the essence of love and desire, weaving together historical and literary traditions. The opening of "Speculum Amantis" sets the stage for a lively exploration of love poetry, beginning with an introduction that welcomes readers both serious and playful, while cautioning the more prudish to step away. Bullen notes the changing social norms around love poetry between the seventeenth century and his own time, explaining that the collection contains verses that might not have been suitable for polite company in his era but were perfectly accepted then. The reader is treated to a selection of verses that cover everything from playful teasing to profound musings about desire and longing, each illustrating the rich tapestry of romantic expression that characterized the period.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Speculum Amantis: Love Poems, from Rare Songbooks and Miscellanies of the Seventeenth Century, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 15 hours
  • advanced
  • romantic
  • melancholy
  • witty

“Speculum Amantis” is a meticulously curated anthology of 17th-century English love poems, drawn from rare songbooks and miscellanies, offering a panoramic view of amorous expression during a pivotal period in English literature. This collection brings to light the diverse voices, styles, and thematic concerns of poets, both known and anonymous, who explored the multifaceted nature of love, desire, and courtship. It serves as a valuable historical document, illuminating the cultural attitudes, poetic conventions, and linguistic nuances of the era. The poems collectively reflect a period grappling with the transition from Renaissance ideals to emerging Baroque sensibilities, characterized by both passionate intensity and intellectual wit.

“"My love is of a birth as rare / As 'tis for others to despair."”

Key themes

Idealized Love and Beauty
Many poems present love as a transcendent, almost spiritual experience, where the beloved's beauty is not merely physical but a reflection of divine perfection. This theme often involves hyperbolic descriptions of physical attributes and the elevation of the beloved to a celestial status, blending Platonic ideals with earthly passion.
The Pain and Pleasure of Love
Love is depicted as a paradoxical force, capable of bringing both exquisite joy and profound suffering. This theme explores the emotional extremes of romantic attachment, including the ecstasy of reciprocated love, the torment of unrequited passion, jealousy, separation, and the bittersweet nature of desire.
Carpe Diem (Seize the Day)
This theme urges the beloved to embrace love and physical pleasure before time inevitably takes away youth and beauty. It's often presented as a persuasive argument, highlighting the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of decay, thus advocating for immediate gratification.

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