Amoretti LXVII: Like as a Huntsman

‘Amoretti LXVII: Like as a Huntsman’ by Edmund Spenser is a sonnet that tells the story of a huntsman in pursuit of his beloved. The poem follows the huntsman’s weary chase and his eventual decision to give up.

Surprisingly, the object of his pursuit, symbolized by a gentle deer, returns to him. They share a moment of connection, and the huntsman captures her at her consent. The poem explores themes of pursuit, perseverance, the unpredictability of love, and the transformative power of genuine connection.

Amoretti LXVII: Like as a Huntsman
Edmund Spenser

Like as a huntsman after weary chase,Seeing the game from him escap'd away,Sits down to rest him in some shady place,With panting hounds beguiled of their prey:So after long pursuit and vain assay,When I all weary had the chase forsook,The gentle deer return'd the self-same way,Thinking to quench her thirst at the next brook.There she beholding me with milder look,Sought not to fly, but fearless still did bide:Till I in hand her yet half trembling took,And with her own goodwill her firmly tied.Strange thing, me seem'd, to see a beast so wild,So goodly won, with her own will beguil'd.

Summary

In this sonnet, titled ‘Amoretti LXVII: Like as a Huntsman,’ Edmund Spenser draws a parallel between a huntsman and his pursuit of prey and his own pursuit of love. The poem explores themes of desire, perseverance, and the surprising nature of love.

The huntsman, exhausted from his fruitless chase, finds respite in a shady spot, accompanied by his panting hounds, who have been deprived of their prey. Similarly, the speaker of the poem has engaged in a long and futile pursuit of his beloved, only to abandon it in weariness. However, just as the deer that was being pursued by the huntsman unexpectedly returns to the same location, the speaker’s love interest comes back to him, seemingly with the intention of quenching her thirst at a nearby brook.

The deer, upon seeing the speaker, does not attempt to flee but rather remains fearless and steadfast in his presence. The speaker then approaches the deer, who is trembling but does not resist, and he firmly binds her at her own consent. The speaker finds it strange and remarkable to witness a wild animal willingly and beautifully won over.

Structure and Form

‘Amoretti LXVII: Like as a Huntsman‘ by Edmund Spenser follows a structured and formal composition. The poem consists of a single stanza comprising fourteen lines, which is a characteristic of a sonnet. Sonnets are a popular poetic form that originated in Italy and were later adapted into English literature.

In terms of the rhyming scheme, the poem adheres to the Spenserian sonnet form. The rhyme scheme can be represented as ABAB BCBC CDCD EE. This pattern divides the poem into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines). The octave presents the situation or problem, while the sestet provides a resolution or conclusion.

The octave, in this poem, establishes the imagery of the huntsman and his weary chase, drawing a parallel to the speaker’s pursuit of love. The rhyme scheme in the octave is ABAB BCBC, creating a sense of symmetry and balance. It enhances the rhythmic flow and musicality of the poem.

The sestet, following the pattern CDCD EE, shifts the focus to the encounter between the speaker and his beloved. It explores the surprising response of the deer-like object of the speaker’s desire, who returns and remains calm in the presence of the speaker. The sestet allows for a resolution to the chase, as the speaker successfully captures the heart of his beloved.

Themes

In ‘Amoretti LXVII: Like as a Huntsman,’ Edmund Spenser explores several themes that are relevant to love and human relationships. The poem delves into the themes of desire, perseverance, the unexpected nature of love, and the power of attraction.

One prominent theme in the poem is desire. The huntsman’s pursuit of his prey and the speaker’s pursuit of his beloved both represent intense desires. The speaker’s longing for his love interest is evident when he describes his “weary chase” and “vain assay” in the pursuit of love. This theme emphasizes the intensity of the speaker’s desire and his determination to win over his beloved.

Another theme is perseverance. The huntsman’s decision to rest in a shady place after a long chase mirrors the speaker’s momentary abandonment of his pursuit. However, both the deer and the speaker’s love interest unexpectedly return. This demonstrates the importance of perseverance in love, as the speaker’s steadfastness eventually leads to a successful capture of his beloved’s heart.

The unexpected nature of love is another theme explored in the poem. The deer’s return surprises the huntsman, just as the return of the speaker’s love interest astonishes him. This theme suggests that love can be unpredictable and that it often unfolds in ways that we least expect.

Lastly, the power of attraction is evident throughout the poem. The deer’s milder look and fearless presence in the face of the huntsman’s pursuit reflect the speaker’s love interest’s response to him. Despite the speaker’s weariness, his beloved remains drawn to him and willingly allows herself to be captured. This theme highlights the irresistible force of attraction in love.

Poetic Techniques and Figurative Language

In ‘Amoretti LXVII: Like as a Huntsman,’ Edmund Spenser employs various poetic techniques and figurative language to convey his message and evoke imagery.

• Simile: One poetic technique utilized in the poem is a simile, which is evident in the opening lines: “Like as a huntsman after weary chase, / Seeing the game from him escap’d away.” The comparison between the huntsman’s pursuit and the speaker’s pursuit of love creates a vivid image that captures the intensity of their endeavors.
• Personification: Spenser also employs personification in the lines: “With panting hounds beguiled of their prey.” By attributing human characteristics of being beguiled to the hounds, the poet imbues them with emotions and intensifies the sense of disappointment.
• Repetition: This technique is used, as seen in the line: “The gentle deer return’d the self-same way.” The repetition of “the self-same way” emphasizes the unexpected nature of the deer’s return, emphasizing its significance.
• Imagery: Figurative language is used to evoke imagery throughout the poem. For example, when the speaker describes the deer’s behavior, he states: “Sought not to fly, but fearless still did bide.” Here, the use of the word “bide” suggests that the deer calmly remains in the presence of the speaker, enhancing the imagery of the encounter.
• Alliteration: Spenser also employs alliteration, such as in the line: “And with her own goodwill her firmly tied.” The repetition of the “w” sound in “with her own goodwill” creates a melodic effect, adding to the musicality of the poem.
• Symbolism: The poet also uses symbolism, as the huntsman and the deer represent the speaker and his love interest, respectively. The deer’s willingness to be captured symbolizes the speaker’s successful pursuit and conquest of love.

Detailed Analysis

Lines 1-4

Like as a huntsman after weary chase,           

Seeing the game from him escap’d away,     

Sits down to rest him in some shady place,  

With panting hounds beguiled of their prey: 

In the opening lines of ‘Amoretti LXVII: Like as a Huntsman,’ Edmund Spenser sets the tone and establishes the central metaphor that runs throughout the poem. The message conveyed in these lines revolves around the themes of pursuit, loss, and temporary respite.

The poem begins with a simile comparing the speaker’s experience to that of a huntsman who has just finished a weary chase: “Like as a huntsman after weary chase.” This comparison immediately establishes a sense of exhaustion and the pursuit of a desired goal. The huntsman represents the speaker, while the game symbolizes the elusive object of his affection.

The phrase “Seeing the game from him escap’d away” emphasizes the moment of loss and disappointment for the huntsman. The game has eluded him, creating a sense of frustration and longing. This mirrors the speaker’s experience of seeing his beloved slip away, which intensifies his desire to capture her.

The image of the huntsman sitting down to rest in a shady place after the chase further reinforces the themes of fatigue and temporary respite. The phrase “Sits down to rest him in some shady place” suggests a momentary pause, a chance for reflection and regaining strength. It implies that the speaker has temporarily given up on the pursuit, seeking solace in a calm and shaded spot.

The line “With panting hounds beguiled of their prey” evokes a sense of betrayal and disappointment. The hounds, representing the speaker’s passion and desire, are left panting and deceived as their prey escapes. This imagery highlights the speaker’s longing and the intensity of his pursuit.

Through these opening lines, Spenser conveys the message of the transient nature of desire and the emotional journey of the speaker. The poem explores the themes of pursuit, loss, and the need for temporary respite in the face of unattainable love. It sets the stage for the subsequent development of the speaker’s relationship with his beloved and the unexpected twists that unfold.

Lines 5-8

So after long pursuit and vain assay,         

When I all weary had the chase forsook,   

The gentle deer return’d the self-same way, 

Thinking to quench her thirst at the next brook. 

In lines 5-8 of the poem, Edmund Spenser continues to explore the themes of pursuit, perseverance, and the unexpected nature of love. These lines highlight a turning point in the speaker’s pursuit and introduce the surprising return of the deer-like object of his desire.

The line “So after long pursuit and vain assay” emphasizes the speaker’s prolonged and futile efforts to win over his beloved. The use of “vain assay” suggests that the speaker’s attempts were unsuccessful and perhaps even frustrating. This line underscores the theme of perseverance and the speaker’s determination in the face of adversity.

The phrase “When I all weary had the chase forsook” signifies a moment of exhaustion and surrender on the part of the speaker. Despite his weariness, he decides to give up the pursuit. This moment of resignation and temporary withdrawal reflects the emotional toll of the chase and the speaker’s need for a break.

The subsequent line, “The gentle deer return’d the self-same way,” introduces a surprising twist in the narrative. The deer, symbolizing the speaker’s love interest, unexpectedly comes back towards the speaker. This unexpected return is significant, as it challenges the notion of a linear pursuit and demonstrates the unpredictable nature of love.

The final line of this excerpt, “Thinking to quench her thirst at the next brook,” adds depth to the deer’s actions. It suggests that the deer’s motivation for returning was not to evade the speaker but rather to fulfill a basic need, such as quenching her thirst. This implies that the speaker’s pursuit may have been misinterpreted or misunderstood by his beloved.

Through these lines, Spenser conveys the message that love and desire are often unpredictable and can defy conventional expectations. The unexpected return of the deer-like figure after the speaker’s abandonment of the chase emphasizes the complex nature of relationships and the potential for surprise and transformation. The poet explores the themes of perseverance, the unexpected nature of love, and the blurred boundaries between pursuit and mutual attraction.

Lines 9-14

There she beholding me with milder look,

Sought not to fly, but fearless still did bide:

Till I in hand her yet half trembling took,

And with her own goodwill her firmly tied.

Strange thing, me seem’d, to see a beast so wild,

So goodly won, with her own will beguil’d.     

In lines 9-14, Edmund Spenser delves deeper into the themes of love, attraction, and the power of transformation. These lines depict the surprising response of the deer-like object of the speaker’s desire, leading to a successful capture of her heart.

The line “There she beholding me with milder look” portrays the deer’s reaction upon encountering the speaker. The use of “milder look” suggests a change in the deer’s demeanor, indicating a shift from fear or hesitation to a more welcoming or receptive attitude. This change in expression foreshadows a positive development in their interaction.

The phrase “Sought not to fly, but fearless still did bide” further emphasizes the deer’s unexpected behavior. Instead of attempting to escape, the deer remains fearless and calmly waits. This reaction accentuates the theme of attraction and the power of the speaker’s presence to influence the deer’s response.

The line “Till I in hand her yet half trembling took” describes the speaker’s action of capturing the deer. The phrase “half trembling” implies a mixture of fear and anticipation, suggesting a vulnerable state for both the speaker and the deer. This moment represents a significant turning point in their relationship as the speaker takes hold of the deer.

The subsequent line, “And with her own goodwill her firmly tied,” reveals an important element of consent and willing participation from the deer. The phrase “her own goodwill” suggests that the deer willingly allows herself to be bound by the speaker. This implies a mutual agreement or understanding between them.

The closing couplet reflects the speaker’s astonishment and the unexpected nature of the encounter. The line “Strange thing, me seem’d, to see a beast so wild” emphasizes the speaker’s surprise at witnessing such a wild creature responding to him in a favorable manner. The final line, “So goodly won, with her own will beguil’d,” highlights the transformative power of love, as the speaker successfully captures the heart of the wild and elusive deer-like object of his desire through mutual attraction and consent.

Through these lines, Spenser conveys the message that love has the power to transform even the most untamed and elusive beings. The unexpected change in the deer’s behavior, her willingness to be captured, and the ultimate victory of the speaker highlights the themes of attraction, consent, and the transformative nature of love. The poet explores the complexities of human relationships and the potential for profound change when a genuine connection is established.

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Similar Poetry

If you enjoyed this poem by Edmund Spenser, you might also want to explore the following others:

• ‘If thou must love me’ (Sonnet 14) by Elizabeth Barrett Browning declares the speaker’s intentions for how she is to be loved.
• ‘Take me anywhere, anywhere‘ by Hilda Doolittle, the poet-speaker addresses a lover, expressing the way in which she takes refuge in their affection.
• ‘Love is more thicker than forget’ by E.E. Cummings conveys the idea that love can be a source of hope, comfort, and joy in times of darkness.